Chelsea Transfer News: Paul Pogba Agent Contacted, Antoine Griezmann Rumours

Chelsea have contacted the representatives of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, according to Serie A specialist David Amoyal, who writes on behalf of Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio.

Amoyal suggests the Blues will rival Barcelona for the signing of the Frenchman, while providing details on Pogba's current situation:

"

Barcelona's interest, one of the candidates to be the blaugrana's president, (Joan) Laporta, wants to use him as the centerpiece of his campaign. But now there is also Chelsea, who has contacted the player's entourage.

There is an issue tied to the wages, Pogba is asking €10 million net of taxes a season, as well as the 20 percent requested on a potential future resale, which would go to agent (Mino) Raiola, as well as the player's marketing rights which belong to Pogba's former agent (Oualid) Tanazefti.

"

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Amoyal believes a deal could be struck "despite these hurdles." According to Sport, "Barcelona's board have spent weeks trying to make progress with the player's management."

Pogba's departure from the Champions League finalists is likely to be a long, drawn-out process which ends with him moving for the biggest fee of the summer. At 22 years old the midfielder is already considered one of the world's best by many.

This stems from Pogba's natural confidence, exuberance and well-rounded game. He is a fierce competitor and someone who doesn't shy away from challenging the best. Although he struggled during Juve's 3-1 Champions League final loss to Barca, his willingness to dribble with the ball and thrust the Italians forward was commendable.

He could partner Nemanja Matic in a formidable Chelsea midfield, working alongside creative playmaker Cesc Fabregas. Blues boss Jose Mourinho strives to find balance in his team—functionality is often prioritised over entertainment value—and would easily be able to slot Pogba in.

Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images

The former Manchester United man may feel he has unfinished business in the Premier League after leaving Old Trafford without many opportunities to impress. He could add to United's regret by leading Chelsea toward silverware.

Griezmann to Chelsea Link Reappears

Mourinho previously denied his interest in signing Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, reported Marca (h/t Jacob Murtagh of the Mirror). However, that hasn't stopped reports suggesting he still wishes to land the versatile forward who scored 22 La Liga goals during 2014-15.

Football writer Omid Zamani tweeted an article from La Gazzetta dello Sport which suggested Mohamed Salah could be used as a makeweight:

"Griezmann is a great striker but is not within our objectives to strengthen the squad for next season," Mourinho told Marca (h/t Murtagh) in June. "We are not interested."

B/R UK's Garry Hayes recently discussed how Griezmann would impact the club:

Italian media outlet Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Anthony Chapman of the Express) suggests the west London club could instead launch a £40 million attempt to sign Raheem Sterling from Liverpool. Like Pogba, the Englishman's departure looks inevitable during the summer, especially now the Reds have signed Hoffenheim technician Roberto Firmino, per James Carroll of the club's official website.

Mourinho should only target top-quality additions this summer. His Chelsea squad doesn't need a massive overhaul to dominate the Premier League, but it does need an injection of fresh blood to compete in the latter stages of the Champions League.

Pogba, Griezmann and Sterling would all be exceptional signings for the club because they can contribute now and develop in the future.