Mauricio Pochettino is obsessed with signing Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde for Chelsea.
That is according to Spanish publication Defensa Central.
Federico Valverde, who’s now 24, is one of the superstars for La Liga giants Real Madrid.
The Uruguay international was a colossus last season for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, scoring 12 goals and making seven assists across all competitions.
He’s an extremely versatile individual who can play as either a central midfielder or a right-winger, but you’re likely to see him in the Madrid line-up regardless.
Defensa Central claims that Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has asked his owners to sign Valverde this summer. Will Todd Boehly and the rest of the Blues ownership grant his wish, though?
It is understood that Pochettino is ‘obsessed’ with the idea of working with the 24-year-old at Stamford Bridge next season.
The report adds that Chelsea have not ruled out making an opening bid worth €100million (£86million) for Madrid’s attacking midfielder. Apparently, they may even be willing to pay €120million (£103million).
However, Spanish heavyweights Madrid won’t entertain the idea of selling such a crucial player.
Described as “outstanding” by Joe Cole (BT Sport, via Daily Mail), Valverde would be a sensational addition to the Chelsea ranks.
It doesn’t sound like he’ll be leaving the Bernabeu anytime soon!
He can do a bit of everything when it comes to attacking and defending, so it’s no surprise Madrid are making him one of their mainstays. Our guess is we’ll see a lot more of him on the wing now that Jude Bellingham has arrived to reinforce the midfield.
We’ve seen Chelsea’s owners do a splendid job so far trim the squad and give Pochettino a much more reasonable squad size, but it would be good for him now to sign a couple of his own players.
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