€100m bomb loading! Chelsea prepare mega January move for Atletico's midfield jewel

The Enzo Fernandez money is burning a hole in Chelsea's pocket, and the Blues already know exactly where they want to spend it.

Details: According to Diario AS, Chelsea are preparing a formal €100 million offer for Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios, with a move possible as early as January. Xabi Alonso has personally requested the 23 year old as the ideal successor to Fernandez, sold to Manchester City for a British record £125 million on deadline day.

• Also read: Can PSG secure their first league win? Prediction for the match against Monaco, September 4

The plan is logical on paper: Chelsea agreed a deal for Monaco's Lamine Camara to replace Fernandez before the French club pulled the plug at the last minute, leaving a gaping hole in Alonso's midfield. Barrios, a Spain international tied to Atletico until 2030, fits the box to box profile perfectly. The obstacle is enormous, though. Diego Simeone counts the academy graduate among his untouchables, and his contract carries a €500 million release clause, meaning even €100 million may only be the opening conversation. If January fails, expect Chelsea to return with an even bigger push next summer.

It's worth noting that Manchester United also had Barrios on their radar earlier this year, so a Premier League bidding war cannot be ruled out.

Reminder: Deal for the future! Chelsea seal €40m move for Atalanta wonderkid Ahanor.