According to sources in Spain, Chelsea are plotting an audacious £85 million bid for Real Madrid’s midfield dynamo Federico Valverde.
The Blues’ new manager Mauricio Pochettino has identified the Uruguayan ace as a top target and has convinced the club’s hierarchy to pursue the 24-year-old.
Valverde has been an integral cog in Madrid’s recent success and is highly valued by the Spanish giants. Los Blancos view him as untouchable and are unlikely to entertain any offers for a player they believe can become a key figure for years to come. However, Pochettino is determined to test Madrid’s resolve in his attempts to lure Valverde to West London.
A versatile and tactically astute player, Valverde can operate as a box-to-box midfielder or on either flank. His lung-bursting runs, pinpoint passing, and ability to defend from the front would make him an ideal fit in Pochettino’s high-pressing system at Chelsea.
Also Read: Federico Valverde Rejects Chelsea Interest, Commits Future to Real Madrid.
Valverde demonstrated his credentials in last season’s Champions League final by starting on the right wing and providing the assist for Vinicius Junior’s winning strike.
Valverde boasts a potent combination of physical and technical attributes. He is a strong runner, has an eye for goal, can pick out teammates with short and long passes, makes crucial recovery runs, and his work rate allows him to perform like two players simultaneously.
While prising Valverde away from the Santiago Bernabeu appears an arduous task, Pochettino will feel he can persuade the player to embark on a new challenge in the Premier League.
Valverde would likely slot seamlessly into the number eight role in Chelsea’s attack, bringing goals, creativity, and an exceptional engine.
Chelsea Sets Sights on Federico Valverde
Madrid’s valuation of a player they see as fundamental to their future hopes suggests this deal may prove problematic.
Valverde is also currently flourishing in the Spanish capital, enjoying regular game time and competing for major honors.
However, if Pochettino can manifest his sorcery once again, Chelsea may land one of Europe’s brightest midfield prospects in the shape of Federico Valverde.
