Chelsea has once again turned its attention to FC Barcelona and this time it's doing so with a very serious proposal. Maresca, the London club's coach, has personally told the club that his main target is a Barça footballer. This isn't a one-off interest, but a concrete plan to strengthen the midfield.
Meanwhile, Barça is watching the situation cautiously and is starting to become genuinely concerned. Hansi Flick considers the player a key piece, but Chelsea's moves have caused nervousness in the offices at Camp Nou.
The latest reports state that Maresca has already had two private conversations with the footballer. In those, he reportedly conveyed the importance the player would have in the project and the leading role he would be given at Stamford Bridge. This is clear evidence that the Blues are very serious.
Barça tries to stop the deal
Joan Laporta and Deco are fully aware of Chelsea's interest and have tried to contact the player throughout the day. The lack of response from his camp is interpreted by the club as a worrying sign. The Barça board believes that this silence reflects a willingness to carefully listen to the English proposal.
The technical department keeps repeating a clear message: they won't listen to offers below €70 million. Deco believes that this amount is fair considering the current market and the footballer's value. However, they know Chelsea is preparing a firm offensive and could dangerously approach that figure.
The big unknown lies in the player's intentions, who until now had always shown commitment to Barça. The club fears that the financial and sporting pressure from the Premier League could end up tipping the balance.
A clear plan from Stamford Bridge
Chelsea has been monitoring several Barça players for some time, including Gavi and Marc Casadó. However, they've ended up opting for a more immediate and decisive profile for Maresca's new cycle. For the coach, this is the piece that can balance the midfield and lead the pressing after losing possession.
The London club wouldn't hesitate to approach €70 million. They consider this a strategic investment to solve the offensive creativity problems that dragged on last season. In addition, the player's youth fits the idea of building a competitive squad in the medium term.
Sources close to Chelsea confirm that there's already a preliminary agreement regarding the footballer's salary. It's not just about convincing Barça, but also about luring one of the most promising talents in LaLiga.
This will be his price and his new salary
Currently, the player earns about €6 million gross per year at Barça. Chelsea's proposal nearly triples that amount, with a salary close to €15 million gross per season. As for the transfer, the Catalan club insists it won't accept less than €70 million.
For now, there's no formal offer submitted to the offices at Camp Nou. However, Barça acknowledges that the situation could accelerate within days if the player himself takes the step. The outcome is getting closer and closer and the temptation of the Premier League may prove too strong.
