Chelsea interest in left back dismissed as 'pure speculation'

The rumors a few days ago were that Chelsea had begun taking 'concrete steps' in our pursuit of FC Augsburg's highly rated young left back Baba Rahman.  One of these steps was even rumored to have been an opening bid of €15m for the soon-to-be 21-year-old's services.  It turns out, that may have been a step too far, at least for now.

"There is nothing concrete on our desk regarding Rahman Baba.  We are excited by his performances for our club and we can say that he has said he is happy to be here."

"The rumours are pure speculation at the moment."

-Stefan Reuter, FC Augsburg GM; source: Kicker via Star

So the only thing concrete in these concrete steps is that there are no steps at all?  That doesn't sound very safe.  Though there is no word on whether there is anything vague on their desk.  A vague step, or just a hint of a step is still better than no steps at all!

Do we believe the rumors or do we believe the chairman?  Both are likely serving their own interests regardless of the actual truth of the matter.  Augsburg would no doubt love to hold on their talented young player.  But if nothing else, they'll play as much hardball as possible to drive up his price.  If we want Baba -- which may not be the case until Filipe Luis's future is decided -- it looks like we will have to bid a bit more.  Or actually make a bid, to begin with.