Chelsea’s ‘close to €50m offer’ could be set to face competition – January move wanted

Barcelona are looking for a midfielder who can play as a pivot as they search for a long term replacement for Sergio Busquets.

The 34-year-old is expected to leave in the summer, and the Blaugrana want to bring in a replacement during the January window. This has seen them consider Edson Alvarez, which means they could provide competition to Chelsea, report Sport.

It’s once again stated Chelsea made a ‘close to €50m’ offer at the end of the last market. Ajax refused that bid, given the players they’d already lost during the summer window.

Alvarez is now under consideration at the Camp Nou as one of a number of options. There’s been repeat claims that Chelsea could return in the winter market, but the question mark remains over whether Ajax would sell at that point.

The Dutch club aren’t having a great season, and the multiple summer departures have been blamed. There’s also the issue of whether Barca would truly be able to, or want to, match the €50m Chelsea put aside.

If the Blues are prepared to wait until next summer they may stand a better chance.