Chelsea's latest exciting signing? talkSPORT Transfer Spotlight

While Ashley Cole has been a consistently excellent left-back for Chelsea, the Blues have struggled to find a full-back to do the same job on the opposite flank. The Blues have played an array of players in the position, with Branislav Ivanovic the most frequent selection. Chelsea fans will be hoping that they have finally found the right man for the job, however, with reports claiming that they have signed Fluminense's highly-rated Wallace. With more on the young Brazilian, it's talkSPORT's Transfer Spotlight.

Name: Wallace Oliveira dos Santos (Wallace)
Date of birth: 1 May 1994
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Position: Right back
Club: Fluminense
International: Brazil U17 (13 caps/1 goal)

What's the latest?
According to reports in Globo Esporte, Chelsea have reached an agreement with Fluminense for the talented full-back, with the Blues having already acquired 40 per cent of his economic rights following the free transfer of Deco to the Brazilian club in 2010. The figure suggested is around the €5.5m mark, but Wallace will not join up with Robero Di Matteo's side until the conclusion of the Brazilian domestic season.

Did you know?
1) Wallace graduated from Fluminense's youth set-up last season, having joined the club aged 11 in 2005.

2) Despite Chelsea reportedly owning 40 per cent of Wallace's economic rights, it is reported that the Blues only recently stepped up their interest in signing Wallace permanently after learning that Juventus and Napoli were strongly considering a move.

3) According to Fluminense coach Abel Braga, Wallace's real strengths lay in his ability in the final third of the pitch. Despite being a full-back, the 18-year-old offers support in attack, with Braga highlighting his crossing as a particularly strong attribute.

4) Wallace was a key part of the Brazil U17 side that finished fourth in the 2011 World Cup in Mexico. His international career has gone from strength to strength and he has recently been called up to Ney Franco's U20 side.

5) He is close friends with Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Lucas Piazon, having played alongside him for Brazil during the U17 World Cup in 2011.

He says:
“I feel ready for this challenge since I started playing football. I have not talked with the coaches yet, but the expectation exists. Let’s see how it goes.”

They say:
“He actually already has a lot of experience for a player of only 18 years of age. This kid has an extraordinary future ahead of him. In the attacking third of the field, his level of crossing is superior.” - Fluminense coach Abel Braga

Video evidence

Will Wallace be the man to solve Chelsea's full-back headache? Should the club look towards more home-grown talent? Have your say by commenting below...