Xabi Alonso targets Atletico Madrid star to replace Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineChelsea are reportedly preparing a €100m (£85.6m) January move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios as manager Xabi Alonso looks to replace Enzo Fernandez and restore balance to his midfield.
The Blues were unable to secure Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara before the summer transfer window closed after Fernandez completed his high-profile move to Manchester City, prompting the club to turn their attention to La Liga.
According to Fichajes, Chelsea are preparing the huge offer for Barrios, with Alonso said to be a keen admirer of the 23-year-old midfielder.
The report claims the Chelsea boss views Barrios as a player with the technical ability and tactical intelligence required to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
However, any attempt to prise the midfielder away from Atletico Madrid is expected to face significant resistance.
Barrios is regarded as an important part of Diego Simeone’s midfield at the Metropolitano, while Atletico are under no pressure to sell the 23-year-old.
The Spanish club’s financial position has also been strengthened following the arrival of Apollo Sports Capital as its majority shareholder.
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Barrios currently has a €500m release clause in his contract, giving Atletico considerable protection over his future.
Chelsea’s interest in the midfielder follows a busy summer at Stamford Bridge, with the club spending just over £345m on new players as they reshaped the squad to fit Alonso’s tactical approach.
The spending covered both defensive and attacking reinforcements as Chelsea sought to strengthen their squad for the season.
The London club were also active in player sales, generating nearly £390m from departures during the transfer window.
That business left Chelsea in a strong financial position and, according to the report, made them the biggest revenue-generating club in the European market during the window.
With Fernandez gone and the move for Camara unsuccessful, Chelsea could now make Barrios their next major midfield target when the January transfer window opens.
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