Chelsea Transfer News: Huge Paul Pogba Bid Readied, Antoine Griezmann Rumours

Chelsea will launch a £57 million offer for Juventus star Paul Pogba, according to Italian newspaper La Stampa (h/t Anthony Chapman of the Express).

Chapman's article suggests the Blues are "leading the race" to sign Pogba, who is destined to leave the Champions League finalists in one of the summer's headline moves.

Manchester United and Manchester City are linked to the player, per Chapman, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain also said to be interested, reported by Sport (h/t Ben Grounds of the MailOnline).

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Chapman believes Chelsea midfielder Oscar "could be used as bait" in a potential deal, but this story goes against Jose Mourinho's indication that he wants to keep the Brazilian.

Miguel Delaney of ESPN FC previously reported Mourinho's comments on Oscar:

David Woods of the Daily Star recently claimed Chelsea had set a £50 million limit for Pogba's signature, with owner Roman Abramovich unwilling to pay "silly money" for the youngster. It's unlikely this kind of sum will secure the player's future, particularly with the Spanish elite lurking.

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Pogba is a powerful, well-rounded player who can contribute to all phases of play. It's perhaps frightening to consider him alongside Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas in midfield, a combination that would offer the kind of combativeness and craft that have defined Mourinho's teams over the years.

Griezmann 'Odds-on' for Chelsea Move

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Another Frenchman continually linked to Chelsea is Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann. The Premier League champions are now "odds-on favourites" to sign the former Real Sociedad man—who netted 22 La Liga goals during his debut season in Madrid—reported by Betfair (h/t Will Giles of Metro).

Giles provided comment from Betfair trader Michael Bowers: "It looks like the youngster’s £43.5 million release clause may have been met as Antoine Griezmann has now been backed into odds-on to make the move to Stamford Bridge this summer."

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Griezmann was previously said to be "interested" in a Chelsea switch, reported by Darren Lewis of the Mirror.

Mourinho raided Atletico last summer—bringing Diego Costa and Filipe Luis to west London—and is also said to be weighing up a move for Koke, reported by Dominic Fifield of the Guardian.

B/R UK's Garry Hayes recently considered the potential of Mourinho's team with these additions:

Mourinho will be eyeing special talents to improve his squad. Chelsea currently enjoy top-quality strength in depth and a plethora of individuals who bring balance to the side. Altering this too much could prove detrimental to the squad's retention of the Premier League title.

However, Mourinho will be eyeing world-class players to maintain Chelsea's challenge in the Champions League. Pogba and Griezmann are likely to develop into two of the sport's absolute best in the coming years, making them special signings for any side.