Report: Chelsea close to £2.7M deal with Nantes for defender Papy Djilobodji

Following a so-far unsuccessful pursuit of Everton defender John Stones, Chelsea is looking to reinforce its defense with Senegalese international Papy Djilobodji on a four-year deal.

At a reported cost of £2.7 million, the defender is somewhat of a bargain. The 27-year-old has been training with the Nantes development squad after voicing his desire to leave earlier in the summer.

Djilobodji has had a successful five-and-a-half years in eastern France, and has also attracted interest from Celta Vigo and Trabzonspor in this transfer window.

Following Chelsea's inquiries for marquee signings like Ezequiel Garay and Aymeric Laporte after the Stones' rejections, it is a surprise that the club is now moving for a player who will be unknown to much of the Stamford Bridge faithful.