Mourinho’s big-money bid to deflate Gunners.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho could be set to pile the misery onto Arsenal with a whopping £73m bid to sign two of the Gunners’ main summer transfer targets, CaughtOffside understands.
The Blues boss is desperate to bring in further big-name signings to enhance his squad for next season after already completing deals for former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa, and will aim to get one over Arsene Wenger in the process by landing two players who had been linked strongly with Arsenal.
The players in question are Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal and AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli, both of whom would represent major improvements on their current options in those positions.
Reports emerged this week that Arsenal could be willing to break their transfer record with a £44m bid to Juventus for Vidal, but Chelsea are now ready to match that and offer the Chilean, who will be in action against Brazil in tonight’s World Cup clash, a more attractive contract offer than the Gunners can afford.
Mourinho will likely push through the sale of two of his current midfield options to help fund a move for the 27-year-old Serie A star, with John Obi Mikel likely to be shown the door, and with the Portuguese coach going back on his word on Real Madrid target Ramires, who could bring in a big-money fee.
Meanwhile, a further £29m will go on Milan star Balotelli, with Chelsea sensing an opportunity after Arsenal have stalled in their efforts to sign the Italian international, who is available for talks after heading home early from this summer’s World Cup after Cesare Prandelli’s side’s surprise exit at the group stages.
A new striker has long been a priority for the Stamford Bridge club, with the likes of Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Samuel Eto’o failing to impress in 2013/14, while promising youngster Romelu Lukaku could be another to leave in a big-money move after becoming unhappy with his role at the club.
Although the signing of Costa has already been more or less wrapped up, Mourinho wants Balotelli as well so as not to be left too short of options in attack as two or more of the club’s current striking options could make way before next season.
Former Manchester City man Balotelli, 23, is unhappy with life at the San Siro and would be happy to play in England again, particularly under his old manager Mourinho, whom he worked under during their time at Inter Milan.
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