Chelsea-linked Luis Campos to stay Lille sporting director despite ‘absolutely huge bids’

Chelsea are in a state of transitory darkness regarding our involvement in this summer’s calciomercato, and that’s thanks to both FIFA, who have still yet to rule on our appeal of the two-window transfer ban, as well as our own inability to sign a proper replacement for Director of Football Michael Emenalo, going on a year and a half now.

One of the few names who have been linked with the job in more than just an off-hand mention is current Lille sporting director, Luis Campos. The widely acclaimed former Real Madrid and Monaco squad-architect has been linked with a few other clubs as well, most notably AS Roma, but it would appear that he is going nowhere anytime soon, especially if Lille president Gerard Lopez is to be believed.

“Luis received absolutely huge bids. I saw offers and I know what he can be worth to other clubs (smile). For me, he’s the best recruiter in the world. But he’ll be here next season and he will be here for a long time. He is also my friend, he totally believes in this project. He proved it by refusing such offers. He is a builder. He likes to teach things to young people, it will always be more in LOSC than in other clubs. We’re talking about his ‘scouts’ team that is exceptional, but he also accompanies the players he discovered.”

- Gerard Lopez; source: Le Parisien (via Google Translate)

With recent links to the legendary Petr Cech, other ex-players like Michael Ballack and Juliano Belletti, and even someone actually qualified, like Paul Mitchell, Chelsea should have a few other options to choose from should we finally decide to bring in someone who could possibly help (re-)build the squad, and properly this time.