Despite a plethoric squad, Chelsea still have significant gaps in midfield. That is why the Blues are considering recruiting Pablo Barrios from Atletico Madrid during the winter transfer window.
Second in the Premier League, six points behind Arsenal, Chelsea are enjoying a good start to the season, without truly convincing in terms of play. The absence of metronome Cole Palmer is not helping Enzo Maresca find the right formula. Whilst the English club have a well-stocked attacking sector, this is far from the case in midfield, with only six players available, including two injured (Cole Palmer and Dario Essugo) and Romeo Lavia who plays very little (240 minutes).
It is therefore Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo who hold the Blues' midfield, accompanied by luxury wildcard Andrey Santos. But Chelsea badly need an additional recruit. According to information from Caught Offside, an offer could arrive this winter at Atletico Madrid for Pablo Barrios. The British outlet explains that Liverpool are also interested.
New XXL transfer approaching at Chelsea?
A figure of €90m (£77m) is mentioned, a sum largely exceeding the player's value on Transfermarkt (€55m/£47m). Trained at the Colchoneros, Pablo Barrios is an undisputed element with the Madrid club. Since the start of the season, he has played 16 matches, including 15 as a starter. A central midfielder, the Spaniard shines for his tireless activity in midfield.
Nevertheless, despite this interest from Chelsea, Atletico Madrid will have great difficulty parting with Pablo Barrios, so important is he in Diego Simeone's system. But an excessive offer could perhaps change the Colchoneros' minds, probably between €90m and €100m (£779m and £86m). It remains to be seen whether Chelsea are prepared to pay such a high price for the 22-year-old player.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
