Blues launched £46million bid according to reports in Spain
Chelsea have made a £46million bid for Atletico Madrid star Koke, according to reports in Spain.
The mega-transfer fee was rejected by the La Liga side, who are desperate to keep hold of their star-midfielder despite Chelsea‘s long-term interest in the Spaniard.
Spanish newspaper Marca have claimed that Jose Mourinho has been secretly working on the deal and has tried to keep it away from the majority of media outlets.
However, the Spanish publication has revealed that a bid worth around £46m was rejected earlier this summer.
Release Clause Met
The 23-year-old has a release clause in his contract, which Chelsea activated, but the player was convinced by his current club to stay put in Spain.
Koke has become a vital part of Diego Simeone‘s team and the Argentinian boss is desperate not to lose such a star asset so close to the season opener.
Mourinho admitted at the beginning of the summer that he wanted to sign a new spine, and he’s already landed a goalkeeper and a striker, with a defender expected to join soon.
However, it looks like he will be missing out on a midfielder.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
