Chelsea seem to have found a huge incentive to sign Manu Kone instead of Jude Bellingham this summer. The Borussia Dortmund star has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge lately as Todd Boehly looks to bolster the club's midfield options.
Bellingham, who sees his contract at the Signal Iduna Park expire in 2025, has been subject to long-term interest from the Blues, football.london understands. The west Londoners watched the midfielder during his time as an academy player at Birmingham City but, after failing to act on their interest, the German side swooped in and signed him instead.
Chelsea have been left to rue their decision to not acquire the teenage sensation when they had the chance, and now it's thought Dortmund will demand at least £100million for his signature. With the Blues under pressure from Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules after splashing over half a billion pounds on signings this season, Boehly could be inclined to capitalise on a bargain elsewhere.
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According to German outlet Sport Bild last month, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have both enquired about Kone from Borussia Monchengladbach. The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with moves to some top clubs in Europe having impressed in the Bundesliga this season.
Kone, who sees his contract at Borussia Park expire in 2025, has featured 26 times for Daniel Farke's side this term, directly contributing towards two goals from central midfield. While he has impressed, the France youth international could be available for a cut-price fee in the summer – which is far cheaper than what Bellingham could cost.
Sport Bild have revealed that Monchengladbach have suffered losses of €56million (£49.5m) and, in order to make up for this, they're looking to rake in €70m (£62m) in player sales this summer. Kone is currently valued at £30.9m by the CIES Football Observatory but, with the German side under pressure to secure a windfall, Chelsea could negotiate a cheaper transfer.
Last month, Kone admitted that he is trying to block out speculation over his future amid interest from the Blues. Speaking to Le Parisien, he said: "At the moment, I am in Monchengladbach.
"I live well with rumours, I don't pay attention to everything that is said. It's more my entourage and my friends who send me the articles. It's a source of pride for them to see my name associated with big clubs, but it doesn't make me hot or cold. I prefer to finish my season quietly. Afterwards, what must happen will happen."
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