Chelsea want German to follow Di Matteo’s midfield youth revolution
Roberto Di Matteo has not hung around in terms of revitalising his midfield already this summer and is keen to continue his spending in this department with Andre Schurrle.
Marko Marin and Eden Hazard have already joined the club, while talented Brazilian Oscar is also seemingly days away from completing a switch to Chelsea.
Add this to a midfield that already includes Juan Mata, John Obi Mikel and Ramires and the Chelsea midfield looks sorted for a few years to come.
These signings could also spell the end for Florent Malouda and Michael Essien, who are reportedly both available to leave for the right price.
However, Di Matteo still wants to add to his options in the wide positions and so is prepared to step up his interest for Andre Schurrle.
A £17m offer has already been rejected by Bayer Leverkusen for the 21-year-old, who made two appearances for Germany at Euro 2012.
But Chelsea will test Leverkusen’s resolve with an improved £20m bid and if this is accepted it would take their summer spending beyond the £80m mark.
Meanwhile, Schurrle could also provide back-up for Fernando Torres in the central striker role, as this is a position he filled impressively for Mainz, scoring 15 goals in the Bundesliga to help seal his move to Leverkusen.
The big key is that not only does he have the trickery to beat defenders, but also the workrate to tackle back the other way, which is not something that can be said of all attack-minded wingers.
If Chelsea are able to begin the season with this new assortment of attacking riches, 9/2 may prove a steal of a price in the Premier League odds that they win the title.