Chelsea are eyeing a move for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as they plan to strengthen their midfield this summer, according to SPORT.
The Blues have reportedly made an opening €60 million bid for the 23-year-old that Los Blancos rejected.
However, Chelsea are ready to return with an increased offer of €80m for the France international.
Chelsea were in for Tchouameni before he joined Madrid from Monaco, and they retained their interest in signing him.
Tchouameni has been inconsistent this season, leading Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti to favour Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Federico Valverde in midfield.
Madrid will consider Chelsea’s higher offer when it comes even though they know the player’s qualities.
The cub understands the first year with a club is not always the smoothest, as players can take time to adapt to their new surroundings.
Chelsea are eager to sign an authoritative defensive midfielder to partner Enzo Fernandez at the base of their midfield.
Incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino is pushing for the Blues to sign one or two holding midfielders ahead of next season.
They have shown interest in Moises Caicedo, Manuel Ugarte and Romeo Lavia, but Tchouameni could be a viable option.
Brighton & Hove Albion want £100 million for Caicedo following his impressive performances last season.
Ugarte looks destined to join Paris Saint-Germain, while Lavia may not quite be ready to play for a club chasing Champions League football.
On that basis, a move for Tchouameni makes sense, although Madrid will likely want Chelsea to pay a premium to sanction his sale.
