Chelsea sign Nathan from Atletico Paranaense

Chelsea F.C. have confirmed the signing of Brazil Under-20 international attacking midfielder Nathan Brazilian club Atletico Paranaense.

Nathan, 19, revealed he was set to join the Blues on Instagram earlier this week. Now that the 19-year-old has passed a medical and the parties have concluded the formalities of the deal, it is finally official.

“Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce we have agreed terms with Atletico Paranaense for the transfer of Nathan,” read a statement on the Blues’ official website.

“The 19-year-old Brazilian will join us on 1 July. Nathan, who has passed a medical and agreed personal terms, has earned a reputation as an attacking midfielder with an eye for goal and impressive pace.

“Nathan, full name Nathan Allan de Souza, has represented Brazil at Under-17 and Under-20 level. He scored five goals in five games at the Under-17 World Cup in 2013.”

Nathan, who made his senior debut for Atletico Paranaense in May 2014, added: “I am very happy to be joining Chelsea, the champions of England, and I hope I will be able to learn a lot and develop my game.”

He joins a long list of compatriots, including Diego Costa, Filipe Luis, Lucas Piazon, Oscar, Ramires, Willian, and Wallace, at Stamford Bridge.

Palace sign Delaney, Puncheon to new deals

Crystal Palace F.C. manager Alan Pardew has revealed that Damien Delaney and Jason Puncheon have signed new contracts with the club.

Delaney has agreed a new one-year deal at Selhurst Park, while Puncheon, formerly of Southampton, has penned a three-year contract with the club based in South Norwood.

Pardew is absolutely delighted the duo have agreed new contracts with the club, lauding Puncheon as the club’s best and most influential player since he [Pardew] took charge in January.

“We’ve secured two players this week. Delaney has signed a new contract and so has Jason Puncheon,” Pardew said.

“Since I’ve come in, Jason Puncheon has been the best player. He’s orchestrated our play. I’ve given him more responsibility. He’s very influential and very important.

“You need to keep your best technical players and at our level it’s difficult to get players of Puncheon’s quality. I’m really pleased.

“He’s found a home here. He’s taken to leadership. The influence he has over the Academy lads is fantastic. They look up to him.”

Puncheon has tallied five goals and seven assists in 33 English Premier League appearances for Palace, who are currently sitting in 12th-place in the league table, in 2014/15.