Blues chase Vargas signing

Chelsea representatives have travelled to Santiago to hold talks with Universidad de Chile over the proposed sale of Eduardo Vargas.

The Londoners are said to be leading the way for the exciting prospect – according to reports from Chilean newspaper La Tercera – who has helped his side reach the final of the Copa Sudamericana, scoring eight goals in the process to become the competition’s leading goalscorer.

A number of Europe’s elite teams have been linked with moves for the 22-year-old, including Milan, Inter, Arsenal and Liverpool, but Chelsea appear to be in the driving seat.

A director from the English club landed in Santiago on Friday to continue negotiations with the Chile international, with Universidad determined to get the best possible price for their young gem.

Universidad are looking for around 10 million euros for the forward, but Chelsea are reluctant to pay that amount as there is a chance the player may not qualify for a work permit, due to his limited international experience and the lack of an EU passport.

Chelsea have reportedly bid 7.5m euros for Vargas and if he fails to gain clearance from the authorities, the club could look to loan him out to a Spanish side to gain experience in Europe which would aid the prospect of the player qualifying for a visa to play in the UK.

However, Universidad are keen to keep the player in Chile until June, which would allow him to take part in the Copa Libertadores.

Vargas made his debut for the Chilean national side in 2009 and has scored two goals in nine appearances.