Filipe Luis again linked with move as part of swap deal for Koke
Chelsea again are being linked with a swap deal for Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke involving Filipe Luis.
The Daily Star claims the Blues’ technical director Michael Emenalo watched the 23-year-old Koke during Atletico’s win over Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday.
The Daily Mirror, meanwhile, suggests Koke’s buyout clause is £50m but that Chelsea may get him cheaper by including the Blues’ former Atletico left-back in any deal.
Filipe Luis only left Atletico last summer but has featured in just 12 of Chelsea’s 32 Premier League games this season, with Cesar Azpilicueta preferred ahead of him.
Reports in Spain say Chelsea are also interested in Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte, who is apparently valued at £30m.
The 20-year-old Frenchman is said to be a cheaper alternative if Jose Mourinho fails to sign Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane.
The Daily Telegraph picks up on Italian media reports which claim Chelsea’s reported bid for Palermo striker Paulo Dybala is £29m,
Gustavo Mascardi, said to be one of the player’s representatives, reportedly told Gazzetta dello Sport that Paris St-Germain had come in with an offer of £32.5m, but that he would not be sold for less than £36m.
The Daily Mirror suggests Chelsea have been given a boost with the news that Barcelona would not be trying to sign Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.
The France international has long been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge or a return to Manchester United.
The Mirror also repeats the claim that Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is a target for Arsenal.
Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi is another player constantly linked with Chelsea.
The Daily Star, quoting reports in Italy, suggests the Argentine is on the verge of signing a new four-year contract with the Serie A club.
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