Real Madrid veteran Pepe is reportedly considering a switch to Premier League side Chelsea next summer after growing frustrated over contract renewal talks.
The Daily Mirror have claimed that Pepe could be set for a switch to Premier League side Chelsea at the end of the current season. The veteran has grown frustrated with the hierarchy at Real Madrid after differences over the details of the new deal being offered to him, and the Portuguese international is ready to switch clubs.
Pepe’s current deal expires at the end of the current season in the summer of 2017 and the Portuguese international would be free to negotiate a pre-agreement with clubs from countries other than Spain as early as January.
As per the report, Real Madrid has offered the veteran a one-year contract extension to stay at Santiago Bernabeu with Pepe and his representatives holding out for a two year deal.
Pepe has been in brilliant form and, despite his age, is believed to have a decent amount of football left in him. The veteran was a rock at the centre of the Portuguese defence as the Seleccao registered their maiden international triumph by securing the European Championships.
The 33-year-old seems to have started the current campaign on the right foot with an average rating of 7.56 in 4 La Liga starts while also contributing to the side’s offence with a return of 1 goal and 1 assist to show for his efforts (stats via whoscored).
It is believed that, if Real Madrid decide not to budge and modify their current offer, Pepe and his representatives are ready to test free agency with the belief that Chelsea would be interested in acquiring the player’s services.
The player would not cost Antonio Conte a penny in terms of transfer fees and would be a valuable addition to his defensive roster in terms of skill and experience, albeit next season onwards.
Real Madrid, though, have been hit by a transfer embargo till 2018,that prohibits the club from securing any new additions to their squad. This may force Los Blancos to agree to the Portuguese international’s demands and hand him a two-year deal as they risk losing the player on a free transfer come the end of the season without being able to sign a replacement for the same.