Stamford Bridge side plot multiple Bernabeu raid.
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Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will reportedly look to follow up an expected move to reappoint Jose Mourinho as manager of his Stamford Bridge side by making available significant funds for the Bernabeu boss to use in pursuit of a trio of his Real Madrid squad this summer.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has already stated his intention to conduct something of a squad shake-up so the chance to offload a number of the club’s players may not be as contentious as some would imagine.
Chelsea will earmark a move to improve their attack with a bid for Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain, who has already been confirmed as a player who will leave the Spanish giants at the end of the season. The 25 year old has struggled to retain a foothold in the Real Madrid attack but has still proven remarkably prolific, scoring 13 La Liga goals this term despite being handed just 16 starts.
At Chelsea the former River Plate man can expect less competition for places up front, especially with Fernando Torres struggling for form and youngster Romelu Lukaku still unsure of his standing in the club’s first team set-up.
Higuain is thought to have a myriad of potential suitors and there is growing interest from Italy but Chelsea are likely to be able to offer the French born forward a far superior salary and the striker is thought to be interested in moving to the Premier League.
Mourinho is also keen to bring in Luka Modric, who he sees as an ideal long term replacement for Frank Lampard. The former Tottenham man initially struggled to win over the Real Madrid faithful, with some dubbing him one of the worst signings the club has made in recent seasons, however over the past couple of months the Croatian has excelled.
He may still be a player Real Madrid will happily consider offers for, knowing that any incoming replacement for Mourinho will no doubt want to bring in their own targets this summer.
The third target on Mourinho and Abramovich’s wish-list is Portuguese international wide-man Fabio Coentrao, who has previously been linked with Chelsea. Having battled Marcelo for a left-back berth the former Benfica man has made the most of an extended run in the first team brought on by the Brazilian’s recent run of injuries and average form and is now a first team regular.
Jose Mourinho may see the 25 year old as an alternative to Ashley Cole, has recently signed a one year contract extension though is clearly at 32 years of age in the latter stages of his career.
Abramovich is ready to offer Mourinho as much as £80m to pursue his Real Madrid targets.