Saturday, 8th June, 2013
London big-shots Chelsea look set to splash the cash in the upcoming transfer window as they try to lure highly-rated Benfica defensive midfielder Nemanja Matic to Stamford Bridge, according to Portuguese daily Correiro da Manha.
The 24-year-old midfielder made a total of 45 appearances for the Portuguese giants last season, scoring five goals and having a hand in one along the way.
And it is believed that the London giants are intent on bringing such work rate and ability to the Premier League as one of Jose Mourinho’s marquee signings. Indeed, Blues owner Roman Abramovich has been tipped to give green light for the club to release a total of €40m to sign the midfielder.
Should Chelsea, however, step up their chase for the midfielder, they would surely face stiff competition in Premier League champions Manchester United, who have been credited with an interest in Matic during recent months.
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Furthermore, it could be a wonder to some that Chelsea are willing to part with such a high sum to snap up a player who has been in their ranks before, but stayed with the club for only two seasons, making only three appearances, before being moved to Eredivisie side Vitesse on loan.
He joined Benfica from Chelsea, as part of the deal which sent David Luiz to Stamford Bridge in 2011.
Matic, who is highly rated by the Portuguese giants, has a contract with Benfica that sees him locked down at the Estadio da Luz until the end of the 2017/18 season.
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