Chelsea to offer cash plus Luis for Atletico star

06 May 2015 12:22

According to reports, Chelsea are in talks with Atletico Madrid to sign the 23-year-old Spanish midfielder commonly known as Koke. Jorge Resurreccion Merodio has moved through the Atletico ranks where he started as a youth in 2000 to now be a Spanish international and Atletico regular.

Koke could be one of a few players that Mourinho brings in to strengthen his squad ahead of another assault on the Champions League next season and is understood to have a £44million release clause. Chelsea seem keen on a player plus cash deal that could bring the fee down to £30million and are understood to be in the early stages of forming a deal according to the Express.

Chelsea have been scouting the player, sending technical director Michael Emenalo to watch Koke in Spain last week and claims that initial discussions are taking place with regard to a possible summer move.

Koke signed a five year deal with Atletico in June 2014 and has so far made 211 appearances and scored 18 times, becoming a regular in 2011-12.

The report claims the Chelsea boss has identified certain areas of weakness such as a new striker and backup keeper with Petr Cech set to depart.

Source: DSG