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Chelsea are reportedly set to launch a mega bid for a Portuguese midfielder, according to reports.
With Chelsea FC’s midfield being distinctly below average so far this season, the Blues are priming themselves for a £29million bid for Porto midfielder Ruben Neves, if reports are to be believed.
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The Evening Standard carries the original story and claims that Jose Mourinho and his coaching staff were impressed by Neves’ performance in Porto’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Tuesday night. Consequently, the club will try to bring him to Stamford Bridge in a bid to reinforce the midfield.
"One of the issues putting them off from making a move is the £29m release clause in his contract.But the Portugal Under-21 international’s performance against them has convinced the club that he is worthy of a bid."
The 18-year-old has built quite a reputation in the year and a bit since he made his senior debut. In fact, rumours linking the youngster with a West London switch had initially surfaced in September. Given that the Chelsea management have now witnessed him play first-hand, the story may carry some greater weight this time around.
While any move will indeed strengthen the midfield, the report states that a bid is more likely in the summer rather than in January. With Chelsea’s current woes in the centre of the park, Blues fans would be forgiven for wanting a deal in place by the end of the winter transfer window.
However, the reasons for delaying an offer are multiple. Firstly, Neves will not be able to play for Chelsea in the Champions League, possibly the competition that they are prioritising at the moment. Furthermore, leaving it until the summer will allow the club to study him over an extended period of time. This is only his second senior season and thus the sample size from which to judge his quality at a high level is insufficient.
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The Blues are also interested in established stars such as Paul Pogba who may represent (even at £40million) a better deal in terms of value for money. If Porto were to hold out for the full £29m, being able to capture a proven yet young star in Pogba for little more than that would be better business.
Having said that, Neves has reportedly attracted interest from giants such as Barcelona and Real Madrid, and thus Chelsea may end up missing the boat. The youngster will inevitably be aware of the illustrious clubs eyeing him up and if Chelsea were to continue on their current path, it is unlikely that he would take a move to Stamford Bridge over an financially similar offer.
Nevertheless, he did look good against the Blues the other day and I would certainly welcome him with open arms. Like really open arms. A bear hug. Seriously, Chelsea just need something in that midfield.
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