Chelsea offer two Boehly signings as makeweights in £88m striker bid, as greenlight is granted

A ‘series of calls’ have taken place over a Chelsea move for an £88m-rated striker, and a report claims that while two players have been offered as makeweights, the greenlight has been given to a different type of deal.

Despite Chelsea’s urgent need to trim their squad and balance the books, the club will still make their fair share of signing this summer.

Christopher Nkunku has already agreed a £53m arrival from RB Leipzig. Elsewhere, Todd Boehly continues to invest in the club’s future with moves for Ecuadorian wonderkid, Kendry Paez, and Norwich winger, Alex Matos, both lined up.

However, extra firepower in the forward line is also wanted, with a lack of end product Chelsea’s primary on-field issue this season.

The Blues acquired Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid during the winter window. The Portuguese cost £9.7m to sign and while he’s only notched three Premier League goals, has looked a constant threat.

Now, a fresh report from the Evening Standard brings news of Felix potentially returning to Stamford Bridge once again next season. The Portuguese is keen to avoid returning to Atletico where his relationship with manager Diego Simeone imploded in 2022.

A ‘series of calls’ have taken place between Chelsea and Atletico officials. The Spanish side continue to quote an £88m (€100m) fee which Chelsea are as yet unwilling to pay in one fell swoop.

To soften the blow, the Standard reports two recent signings have been offered to Atletico as makeweights – Marc Cucurella and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Cucurella is the headline-grabbing name of the two given he cost £62m (including add-ons) and aged 24, is about to enter his prime years.

However, the Spaniard’s maiden season at Chelsea has been a disappointment and he’s duly been served up to Atletico.

Aubameyang, meanwhile, recently admitted he hopes to re-join Barcelona this summer.

Regardless, the Standard suggest Atletico are eyeing an outright sale or would even be willing to sanction another loan deal. It does not appear like Simeone has much interest in the Chelsea flops.

If a straightforward sale isn’t viable, the report adds Atletico are ‘open’ to another loan spell. Given it would be for an entire season and not just six months, the loan fee would be raised to €16m (approx. £14m).

While that may not sound like an ideal solution, it’s noted super agent Jorge Mendes is heavily involved in both Chelsea and Atletico’s affairs and will strive to find a solution that suits all parties – including the wantaway player.

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