Chelsea are reportedly ready to end their £75 million January pursuit of Real Madrid superstar Isco due to his last-minute demands over higher-than-agreed wages.
According to a report by The Sun, Chelsea are set to pull the plug on their pursuit of Isco. The Blues had been keen on landing the Real Madrid superstar in the January transfer window, but are ready to end their interest in him owing to last-minute demands over higher wages than what was initially agreed.
Isco has seen his future at Real Madrid thrown in disarray upon the arrival of Santiago Solari. One of Julen Lopetegui’s erstwhile favourites, the player has become a bit-part player under the current manager, starting just two games under the Argentine’s tutelage.
Unsurprisingly, the player has been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu, with a bevy of clubs said to be interested in swooping him away from Real Madrid. Chelsea though, have been linked the most heavily with Isco, with a January move being mooted.
Mateo Kovacic’s arrival from Real Madrid on a season-long loan deal has bolstered Maurizio Sarri’s options considerably, with Chelsea’s midfield unit being one of the most formidable in the Premier League. But, the fact that Croat’s deal does not contain an option to buy is keeping the Blues on their toes.
As a result, Chelsea are believed to be in the market for a midfielder who can boost Sarri’s creative options, should they fail to land Kovacic on a permanent deal. Isco was thus, being seen as the ideal target to replace his former Real Madrid teammate at Stamford Bridge.
But, Chelsea’s pursuit of the Spaniard has hit a snag at the last minute. As per the report, Isco’s representatives are demanding more money than what was initially agreed after it emerged that PSG were also interested in signing him.
The Ligue 1 champions have been forced into the transfer market thanks to the fact that Adrien Rabiot, who is coincidentally also linked with Chelsea, is set call it quits at Parc Des Princes. Isco is this, a viable target for PSG.
Chelsea were initially prepared to pay Isco weekly wages worth £250,000 in addition to a hefty signing-on fee as well. But, the increased wage demands are set to see them call off their £75 million pursuit of the Real Madrid pursuit.
It now remains to be seen if Isco can land at some other club in the winter, or continue his travails at Real Madrid. What appears certain is that Chelsea no longer seem interested, and will surely set their sights elsewhere.
