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Chelsea to bid £70m for Real Madrid superstar Isco as Arsenal and Man City consider move
CHELSEA are expected to submit a £70m bid for Real Madrid’s superstar Isco in order to seal a move during the January transfer window.
Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester City are also rumoured to be interested in the 26-year-old, who has recently fallen down the pecking order at Real.
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is hoping a contract worth £250,000 a week, in combination with a huge signing-on fee will convince the Spain international to sign, according to The Sun.
Isco, who has only been involved in 11 of Los Blancos’ 16 La Liga games this season, has even found himself being booed by Real fans for his performances.
Holding down a starting place under former Real boss Julen Lopetegui was difficult the player and his fortunes haven’t improved under new boss Santiago Solari.
For me, he is the one in our squad with the most quality on the pitch
However, Real’s left-back Marcelo claims Isco is willing to continue fighting for the club.
We all know his quality," Marcelo said.
"For me, he is the one in our squad with the most quality on the pitch.
"Sometimes players play more, sometimes less, there are different moments.
"We should not go over it so much.
"Isco is with Madrid to the death, like all the players."
Arsenal and City are also interested in the midfielder but reportedly favour making a move in the summer, which could allow Chelsea to strike a deal in the January window.
City boss Pep Guardiola has shown interest in the talented Spaniard and reportedly sees him as an ideal replacement for his compatriot David Silva.
When Chelsea make their move it is not known if the City board will sanction a rival bid in the January window.
Sarri, who has given responsibly for negotiating the deal to the club’s sporting director Marina Granovskaia, is keen on pairing Isco with Eden Hazard.
Chelsea, who beat Brighton 2-1 on Sunday, find themselves eight points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after 17 games.
The club hope the introduction of Isco into their side will help the Blues mount a serious title challenge.