Chelsea are preparing a £69m bid for the ‘magical’ Atletico Madrid star, who is now a priority target, with Liam Rosenior also a personal favorite.
Blues are looking for new signings to change the game
Rosenior has made an excellent start to his time as Chelsea manager, winning five of his first six games in charge, the most recent of which was against London rivals West Ham United, but things have not been easy for his team.
The Blues were 2-0 down at half-time, but goals from Joao Pedro and Marc Cucurella brought them back on level terms, before Enzo Fernandes scored the winning goal in stoppage time, lifting the West Londoners into fourth place in the Premier League.
Since his arrival, Rosenior has been full of praise for Enzo, saying: “He’s already a world-class player. I wasn’t surprised by him. But it’s been great to know him. He’s a winner. I’m looking forward to learning his standards and habits. I’m looking forward to what I can get from him while I’m here.”
But Chelsea are preparing to make an €80m (about £69m) offer for Atletico Madrid star Pablo Barrios, aiming to make a game-changing addition to their squad, according to reports in Spain.The manager is currently keen on adding to his midfield, according to reports in Spain.
Barrios is currently a priority target for the Blues and is also a personal favorite of Rossenyol, but Atlético are in a better position to negotiate given his contract runs until 2030.
But the Premier League side are undaunted, believing the central midfielder could become a key player for the next decade and are prepared to make a “historic move in the transfer market”.
‘Magic’ Barrios could be guaranteed to sign with Chelsea
The 22-year-old, hailed by scout Jacek Kulig for his “Iniesta-like magic”, has been a hugely important player for Atletico this season, missing just one La Liga game, during which he showed his defensive qualities.
The Spaniard averages 1.1 interceptions per game in La Liga, the second-highest on the team, and ranks third in terms of key passes per game, with the midfielder particularly impressing against Osasuna earlier this season.
However, it may be difficult for Atletico’s star to leave Moises Caicedo out of the starting XI, given the Ecuadorian has averaged 2.3 interceptions per game in the Premier League this season.
Enzo is better than Barrios in attack, having scored eight league goals this season, while the four-time Spain international has scored one goal in La Liga.
Chelsea prepare to sign ‘physical’ £35m replacement for Jaquet, hold negotiations
The Blues have begun signing a new centre-back.
However, Chelsea need depth if they are to become title contenders and the Madrid-born maestro could be a solid addition to the squad.
