Chelsea Transfer News: Andre Gomes Wanted Amid Latest Real Madrid Rumours

Antonio Conte has told Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to open his chequebook and secure the signing of Valencia midfielder Andre Gomes for £41 million, according to Marca (h/t James Cambridge of the Daily Express).

The Spanish newspaper said the former Italy coach has spoken to his Russian boss and requested the signing of the Portuguese midfielder in a bid to beat off recent interest from Real Madrid.

Per Marca, the Liga giants are deep into talks with central midfielder Gomes, with the UEFA Euro 2016 winner reportedly favouring a deal to stay in Spain but with Zinedine Zidane's side.

Geert Vanden Wijngaert/Associated Press

Real are supposedly willing to offer £41 million plus £8 million in add-ons for the 22-year-old, who only joined Valencia from Benfica in 2015. 

After 30 league games, per WhoScored.com, Gomes now looks set to be heading for an early exit from the Mestalla, with several of Europe's premier clubs circling the player in the transfer market.

According to Marca, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are also willing to do business and prise the playmaker away from last year's strugglers, who finished in a disappointing 10th place in the league.

According to Lee Roden's FourFourTwo article, Gomes' return in October following a muscle injury coincided with an upturn in fortunes for Los Che, and he should be considered as the side's most important player.

Superagent Jorge Mendes is controlling the deal as Gomes' representative. The agent—known for his involvement in some of the world's most lavish transfer deals, including Angel Di Maria's £59.7 million move to Manchester United—is reportedly intent on forming a new relationship between Valencia and Real.

Ronald Zak/Associated Press

That could act as a stumbling block for any potential move for Chelsea. However, boss Conte remains eager for Gomes to arrive at Stamford Bridge. 

Take a look at the best goals, skills and passes from Gomes in a Valencia shirt below:

The Blues, who finished the 2015-16 season in 10th place following a disastrous attempt to defend the title, are also looking to improve their defensive stability.

With that goal in mind, they are hoping to recruit Victor Lindelof for £25 million from Benfica, per Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror. That figure would meet the Sweden international's release clause after a fine breakthrough campaign last year.