Chelsea have been in contact with Ateltico Madrid over the signing of Pablo Barrios and have been told how much it would cost to lure the midfielder from Spain in 2026, according to reports.
With less than two months until the January transfer window, the Blues are already looking at potential additions. It’s a rare day when people in west London aren’t thinking about the transfer window and Todd Boley could be looking to spend big again to help Chelsea close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal.
The Stamford Bridge side, who already brought in the likes of Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro in the summer, are now reportedly interested in signing Ousmane Diomand.
The Sporting CP defender is one of the most promising centre-backs in Europe and certainly fits the bill for the young stars Chelsea have signed in recent years. But he’s not the only target in their sights.
The Blues have also been linked with a midfield upgrade in Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. The England international is one of the Premier League’s hottest talents and will likely make the biggest decision of his career sooner or later. Whether that leads to a move to west London remains to be seen.
With Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandes at the bottom of the Blues’ midfield, it will take considerable talent to earn a starting spot in the middle of Enzo Maresca’s side, but that may not deter Bruco from spending.
If it’s not Wharton who arrives in 2026, it could be Atletico Madrid star Barrios, who is attracting Chelsea’s attention ahead of the January transfer window.
According to reports in Spain, Chelsea have been contacted by Atletico Madrid with a view to signing Barrios, but the Spanish club were told the offer would be around €100m (about £88m).
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Money hasn’t been an issue for Chelsea so far, but with Caicedo and Fernandes performing so well already this season, one has to question whether they really need another midfielder.
League Statistics P90 25/26 | barrios | caicedo | Fernandez |
|---|---|---|---|
minutes | 856 | 945 | 880 |
progressive path | 7.47 | 5.71 | 8.16 |
tackle win | 0.95 | 1.90 | 0.71 |
ball collection | 6.11 | 5.43 | 3.88 |
Barrios has certainly made enough of an impression to make Chelsea ask themselves about his possible arrival, but whether they can lure Barrios away from Atletico Madrid is another matter entirely.
Diego Simeone is a big fan of the midfielder and told reporters when the 22-year-old first broke out:I told him he has a great game and I’m going to work on building it up. Koke is there now (‘5’) and we are trying to maximize Pablo’s potential. He has to grow up, but he’s doing very well. I’m excited. He is an Academy graduate and can play multiple roles. ”
