Chelsea will reportedly look to sign 22-year-old Spanish international Pablo Barrios from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth €70 million in the winter transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Pablo Barrios is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder in the winter transfer window. So, the 22-year-old Atletico Madrid midfield sensation has emerged as a target for the West London club.
The Blues are ready to submit a bid worth €70 million to tempt Atletico Madrid to part ways with the Spaniard in the winter transfer window. However, Barrios is also a target for Bayern Munich, with Los Rojiblancos in a spot of bother to keep the youngster at the Metropolitano Stadium for the long haul.
Pablo Barrios and his rise at Atletico Madrid
Pablo Barrios has established himself as one of the best young prospects in La Liga since breaking into the first-team squad at Atletico Madrid. The Madrid native spent his formative years in his home city, rising through the ranks at Real Madrid before graduating from the youth division at Atletico Madrid. The 22-year-old has not looked back since making his senior bow at Atletico Madrid in the early days of the 2022/23 season.
The Spanish midfielder has made over 100 appearances thus far for Atletico Madrid while chipping in with seven goals and seven assists. Meanwhile, Barrios’s exploits have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several European bigwigs. Chelsea and Bayern Munich are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the winter transfer window.
A man in demand
Pablo Barrios has been on Chelsea’s wishlist for a long time. The continued interest is perplexing, considering Andrey Santos has established a foothold. However, the fitness issues troubling Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo may have played a part in compelling Chelsea to pursue a midfielder in the winter transfer window. They are ready to pay €70 million to sign Barrios from Atletico Madrid.
As for Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga champions have had their sights set on the 22-year-old Spaniard for several months. The continued interest makes sense, considering Leon Goretzka’s long-term future is uncertain. However, Bayern Munich can do with a versatile midfielder even if Goretzka remains at the Allianz Arena for a few more years.
However, with Chelsea ready to pay €70 million to sign Barrios, Bayern Munich must act quickly to secure his services. Meanwhile, convicing Atletico Madrid to part ways with the Spanish international may be a tall order, even for a fee worth €70 million.
