Chelsea have reportedly made an offer for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti, amid rumours Barcelona are also interested in the talented Italy international.  

According to Francesc Aguilar of Catalan-based newspaper Mundo Deportivo (h/t Metro‘s Mark Brus), PSG are still eyeing Juventus star Paul Pogba, and Chelsea and Barcelona are keen to add Verratti, as the Ligue 1 giants seek funds for a move.

Brus adds Verratti is reportedly not interested in a transfer to the Premier League, and given his tremendous success with Les Parisiens, a move seems unlikely at this point.

The 23-year-old moved to the French capital in 2012 and quickly settled into PSG’s squad, showcasing his fantastic passing range and high defensive work rate. While not the most physically imposing player, he loves to play rough in the midfield, and he tends to get booked so often it has become something of a running joke.

Bleacher Report UK’s Jonathan Johnson couldn’t help himself:

According to WhoScored.com, the former Pescara man was booked an incredible 11 times in Ligue 1 last season, but he also provided eight assists and completed well over 91 percent of his passes.

Verratti is a superb technician and has drawn praise from some illustrious names, including former Barcelona star Xavi, per Squawka News:

Here’s a look at some of his highlights:

There’s no doubt the Blues would love to add a player of his caliber, particularly given their current struggles in midfield. Cesc Fabregas, who was the main creative force in midfield last season, has failed to live up to his reputation in 2015-16, and Chelsea’s attack has stalled as a result.

But given his young age, his high standing with PSG and Les Parisiens’ strong financial backing from Qatar Sports Investments, Verratti seems close to untouchable on the transfer market. PSG have virtually unlimited funds―it’s hard to see why they should move a player in order to fund a transfer of Pogba.

The Frenchman is a remarkable talent, but so is Verratti. PSG are probably dreaming of pairing the two in midfield, not moving the Italian just so they can replace him with Pogba.

 

Marcelo Brozovic to Leave Inter Milan?

According to Calciomercato.com’s Federico Zanon and Edo Dalmonte, Inter midfielder Marcelo Brozovic could leave the Nerazzurri in January, and Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly interested in his services.

The Croatian is enjoying a fine season with Inter, but given the complicated nature of his loan move to Italy, the Nerazzurri would still need to pay former club Dinamo Zagreb €5 million of the €8 million deal the two parties agreed on if he’s still with the club in June.

That opens the door for a January move, where the 23-year-old would reportedly be available for less than €20 million.

As shared by Daniele Mari of FCInter1902.it, that’s a remarkably low fee for a player capable of doing things like this:

Inter are enjoying a fine season in Serie A after years of struggling, and Brozovic is just starting to find his best form. As things stand, the club’s clause to buy him at the end of the season looks like a steal, and it’s hard to believe the Nerazzurri would balk at paying €5 million for such a talented young player.

The suggestion sounds almost as odd as the fact he could be available for just €20 million, as someone will still have to pay Dinamo the €5 million when his loan deal expires.

Inter are finally starting to find some success again after years of disappointment―the last thing they’ll be thinking of right now is selling some of the young talent responsible for this.

 

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