Chelsea preparing to step up interest in signing £70m midfielder who Joe Cole called an ‘outstanding talent’

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Chelsea are reportedly looking at stepping up their interest in signing a £70m-rated midfielder in the summer transfer window.

The central midfield position is arguably the strongest area in the Chelsea squad right now, but they could soon add even more firepower in the centre of the park.

Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia provide top-class midfield options for the Blues. Plus, Reece James has been playing central midfield in recent games as head coach Enzo Maresca likes using him in that role.

In addition, Andrey Santos will join Chelsea’s squad next season after a brilliant loan at Strasbourg in France.

• READ MORE: What Frank Lampard said about Reece James playing in midfield at Chelsea six years ago, Enzo Maresca agrees

Chelsea ready to step up interest in Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are preparing to step up their pursuit of Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Apparently, Mainoo is struggling to agree to a contract renewal at Old Trafford, asking for a pay rise from £20,000-a-week to around £180,000-a-week.

The report explains that Chelsea are closely watching the 19-year-old midfielder’s situation, like they did in the summer. One of the reasons the Blues are monitoring the England international is because they’re concerned about Lavia’s injury record at Stamford Bridge.

CaughtOffside adds that Man Utd want around £75m for Mainoo’s sale and could cash in if the right offer arrives. In terms of the player, he could be persuaded to join a Premier League rival, even though his preference would be a move to Spain or Italy.

Jason Cundy reacted to the Mainoo rumours by admitting he’d be shocked if Man Utd let him leave the club.

The speculation has been ongoing for a while now regarding the academy graduate’s contract negotiations as Man Utd fans wait for some good news. Without a doubt, the teenage central midfielder is a real star in the making because of his physical and technical qualities.

What Joe Cole said about Kobbie Mainoo

Back in April 2024, former Chelsea star Joe Cole waxed lyrical about Man Utd and England midfielder Mainoo.

Cole told TNT Sports: “He is making decisions that are way beyond his years, in the sense that an 18-year-old – I think of myself at 18 playing central midfield – I was nowhere near this kid in terms of decision making and what to do with the ball and when to do it… He is crucial to this Manchester United team. He is one of the go-to guys in this team, an outstanding talent.”

His 2024/25 season has been a bit stop-start so far due to injuries, playing 25 times across all competitions.

If Chelsea ramp up interest in Mainoo and manage to tempt him to West London, it would be a real statement addition in the summer. Admittedly, we’d urge the club to focus on a new striker and new goalkeeper as a priority.