Chelsea are reportedly preparing a €100m (£86m) offer for Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios when the January transfer window opens.
The London club’s representatives are planning to make an approach for the Spain international, according to The Touchline. Barrios has been identified as a priority target by Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso following Enzo Fernandez’s move to Manchester City.
Chelsea’s interest is understood to be focused on strengthening their midfield, with Barrios regarded as the player the club would like to bring in during the winter transfer window. The proposed fee would be significantly higher than the midfielder’s current valuation on Transfermarkt, which lists him at €55m.
However, Atletico Madrid have no plans to part with Barrios in the foreseeable future. The 23-year-old remains under contract with the Spanish club until 2030, giving Atletico a strong position in any potential negotiations.
Barrios also has a €500m release clause in his contract. That figure is considerably above the €100m fee Chelsea are reportedly considering, meaning any possible transfer would depend on Atletico being willing to negotiate rather than the London club simply triggering the clause.
The reported interest comes after Fernandez’s departure for Manchester City. Chelsea are therefore understood to view Barrios as their preferred midfield target ahead of the January window, although there is no indication that an agreement has been reached between the clubs or with the player.
A €100m bid would make the proposed move one of the most significant pieces of business associated with Chelsea in the January market. Despite that reported figure, Atletico’s position is that Barrios is not expected to leave in the near future.
Barrios’ Atletico contract running to 2030 and his €500m release clause both underline the difficulty Chelsea could face if they attempt to complete the deal. The Spanish club’s reluctance to sell means the Premier League side may have to make a substantial offer to persuade Atletico to change its stance.
For now, the information comes from The Touchline as a report of Chelsea’s plans rather than confirmation of a formal bid. The club are said to be considering an offer for January, while Atletico Madrid remain unwilling to consider Barrios’ departure in the foreseeable future.