Chelsea are now keen to sign Marco Verratti from Paris Saint-Germain as Mauricio Pochettino aims to strengthen his midfield at Stamford Bridge.
That is according to Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports.
So, what is the situation involving Chelsea and Marco Verratti? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, it is said that Chelsea have been alerted to the prospect of PSG selling the Italy international for £70m this summer.
Speaking live on Sky Sports, Solhekol said: “Marco Verratti may be leaving Paris this summer. I think PSG’s official position is that the player is not for sale, but I think, reading between the lines, they would listen to offers for him, offers that match their valuation. I think their valuation is about £70m.
“We have also been told that two Premier League clubs are interested in signing him. The names we were told were Liverpool and Chelsea.
“We haven’t been able to confirm that, it could be he’s a player who has been offered to Liverpool and Chelsea – by agents or intermediaries who are trying to make some money and they know Liverpool and Chelsea are looking for midfielders, but it looks like he could be a player who could be leaving PSG in the next few weeks.”
If this is true, Chelsea have to act – Verratti is one of the most talented midfielders in Europe.
Even Neymar once described the 30-year-old as a “genius” when comparing him to Andres Iniesta and Xavi.
Chelsea should avoid spending £70m on Marco Verratti
While we believe Chelsea should make an effort to sign Verratti if he’s on the market, those on the recruitment team at Stamford Bridge must consider the financial aspect.
Chelsea are already committed to spending at least £70m on Moises Caicedo after a bid of that amount was rejected by Brighton on Tuesday, with Fabrizio Romano claiming that an improved offer is coming.
The reliable Italian journalist adds that Pochettino will look for defensive reinforcements as well after Wesley Fofana ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.
That is without mentioning the need for a new standout striker and goalkeeper.
A lot of money will be needed to solve these issues, and with Todd Boehly focusing on young talent, it would be a huge shift in policy to spend around £70m on a 30-year-old.
Despite that, a player of Verratti’s quality is not often on the market, so if Chelsea can strike a deal for a sum in the region of £50m or less this summer, it would be worth doing – as long as funds are left over for other areas.