Chelsea Transfer News: Andre Gomes £25.7M Bid to Be Upped, Rob Green Rumours

Chelsea will have to spend big this summer if they’re to land Valencia’s midfield sensation Andre Gomes, with reports suggesting the 21-year-old star will cost in excess of £25.7 million.

That’s according to reports in Spain cited by Jamie Sanderson of Metro, who claims that the Blues have been monitoring the progress of the star since his move to Los Che from Benfica. The piece states that a bid of the aforementioned figure has been lodged, but the Spanish giants think the player is worth more.

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Here’s a look at why:

Under Nuno, Valencia have enjoyed an extraordinary renaissance. At the time of writing, they sit in third place in the table ahead of reigning champions Atletico Madrid and just four points behind second-placed Real Madrid. Naturally, there are plenty already dreaming of Champions League football returning to the Mestalla next season.

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Gomes has been central to the excellent displays turned in by the team this season. Typically deployed as an orthodox central midfielder, the Portuguese has showcased composure in the middle of the park, intricate dribbling skills, an eye for an incisive through ball and, perhaps most enamouring for Jose Mourinho, a defensive tenacity.

As noted by OptaJose after Gomes netted in Valencia’s 4-0 win over Elche, he’s also a player who can chip in with crucial goals:

But at this juncture, a move to Chelsea would be a peculiar career step for the player. While he definitely has the attributes to thrive at Stamford Bridge, the key role he’s been handed in this Valencia team has been tantamount to his stunning progression. To continue making those refinements, he needs to preserve his playing time.

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Chelsea wouldn’t be able to offer him those kinds of prerequisites when it comes to getting games, given the players he'd be vying with for a starting spot at Stamford Bridge:

	Gomes	Fabregas	Oscar	Ramires
Apps (Sub)	22 (2)	25 (1)	23 (1)	8 (11)
Goals	4	2	6	1
Assists	1	16	7	4
Key Passes per Game	0.8	3	1.4	0.5
Pass Completion Rate	79.1%	86.2%	83.1%	81.1%
Dribbles per Game	1.4	1	0.8	0.6

Indeed, it’s a transfer that neither Chelsea nor the player need at this stage. Bleacher Report’s Garry Hayes doesn’t think that there needs to be a seismic shift in personnel at the Bridge this summer anyway:

One area that will surely need addressing, however, is the goalkeeping situation. Petr Cech is far too good to sit on the bench for another season and looks poised to leave Stamford Bridge for a fee of £10 million this summer, reported by Gary Jacob of The Times.

Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard claims that the Blues have targeted Robert Green as his replacement.

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As noted by WhoScored.com, despite the perennial struggles of Queens Park Rangers, Green has actually enjoyed a very good season at Loftus Road:

As a back-up option to the immaculate Thibaut Courtois, the 35-year-old would be a fine choice. He has plenty of experience, has represented England at the highest level and knows exactly what the Premier League is all about. With QPR motoring toward relegation, the Blues should have little problem convincing him to join.

While it may mean a decrease in playing time, Green would pick up a lucrative deal, would be rubbing shoulders with some of the game’s elite players and be part of a squad challenging for the biggest honours. Despite enjoying a fine career, he’s yet to be part of a group capable of winning major silverware. In the twilight of his playing days, he would surely jump at this chance if it's offered.