Stamford Bridge side look to bring in AS Roma centre-back.
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Chelsea are ready to make a move for highly rated AS Roma defender Mehdi Benatia with Jose Mourinho looking to cut the cost of such a move by offering Belgian Romelu Lukaku in a part exchange deal according to Football Direct News.
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The Serie A side will demand £32m for the 27 year old who is said to be unhappy about the contract offer AS Roma have made following his excellent displays in his debut season for the Italian capital club.
With Benatia at the heart of his defence Rudi Garcia’s side conceded just 25 goals in 38 domestic league fixtures to secure a runners-up spot behind all conquering Juventus and therefore one can see why they would be reticent to sell the tough tackler.
Mourinho will hope that the inclusion of Lukaku, who has had excellent back to back loan spells at West Brom and Everton, will cover at least half the price-tag.
Garcia is said to be looking for an out and out striker to lead his attack with the club’s top-scorer, Mattia Destro, managing just 13 goals in Serie A action.
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