Chelsea are reportedly ready to hijack Manchester City move for £100m-rated Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish, according to the reports.
The 25-year-old has been strongly linked with a big-money departure from Dean Smith’s side ahead of the 2021/22 season after scoring seven goals and creating 12 more last term, and he was also part of the England national team that reached the Euro 2020 final.
Man City were believed to be the main favourites for the Villians playmaker, although Dean Smits side’s £100m asking price has proven to be a sticking point for the defending English champions.
Tuttomercatoweb reports that Thomas Tuchel is keen on strengthening his midfield area ahead of the new campaign, with Roman Abramovich ready to splash money after the Blues claimed the UEFA Champions League title last season and now they are ready to capitalise on Man City’s hesitancy by making a bid for Jack Grealish.
The report also states that Chelsea’s No.1 transfer target still remains Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland, with Romelu Lukaku and Robert Lewandowski also top-class players rumoured with a switch to Stamford Bridge.
However, manager Thomas Tuchel also keen to bring a new midfielder with Jorginho has been rumoured with a departure from the club to the European champions identified Jack Grealish and Domenico Berardi as possible transfer targets.
Grealish has spent his entire career with Aston Villa, founding back of the net 32 times and assisting 43 more in 213 games for the club; however, he is now ready to make a step up in his career and sign for a team that will compete for all possible trophies next season.
Chelsea will start their 2021/22 season with a UEFA Super Cup clash against UEFA Europe League winners Villarreal on 11 August at Windsor Park in Belfast.
This is the first game between the sides. Spanish outfits will be the ninth Spanish side the Blues have faced in UEFA club competition; Chelsea are Villarreal’s seventh English opponents.
On August 14 Chelsea also starts their 2021/22 Premier League season and the opening fixture will be against London rivals Crystal Palace.
