Chelsea are hoping to tempt Leicester City into parting with talismanic midfielder Riyad Mahrez by offering them a player plus cash deal that would involve Christian Atsu and £15million, according to Spanish publication Marca.
Mahrez’s form has been one of the key factors behind Leicester’s unlikely title challenge this season, and has already chalked up an impressive 13 goals and seven assists in 21 Premier League appearances so far.
The Blues, by contrast, are languishing in 14th place, and look to have already surrendered their title.
But they are looking to rebuild and have Mahrez firmly in their sights, and will launch a move for the Algerian international using winger Christian Atsu as bait after he was recalled from an unsuccessful loan spell with Bournemouth.
There will also be a cash offer of £15m to go with the part exchange deal.
The news could come as a blow to Spanish outfit Levante, who are believed to have already agreed personal terms with Atsu on a loan deal.
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