Chelsea keen on offloading midfield duo to fund move for €60m-rated La Liga star: Reports

Chelsea are reportedly open to letting two of their stars go to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios. They could offer the Spanish side €60 million for the 21-year-old.

The Blues have been highly active in transfer markets since the Todd Boehly-led consortium took ownership of the club in 2022. They have spent comfortably over £1 billion so far and have built a good squad full of youngsters. However, two of those players have failed to establish themselves at the club under manager Enzo Maresca.

Carney Chukwuemeka joined Chelsea from Aston Villa in 2022 but has made just 30 senior appearances for them so far. He has made just three appearances across competitions this season. Cesare Casadei, meanwhile, has made just four appearances this season. He joined the club from Inter Milan in 2022 and has spent multiple stints on loan already.

Hence, as per Fichajes.net (via The Hard Tackle), the Blues are open to let both of them leave to facilitate a move for Pablo Barrios. The Spanish midfielder came through Atletico Madrid's ranks and has made 69 senior appearances for them.

Barrios' contract with the Rojiblancos expires in 2028 and the Spanish giants are unwilling to let him leave. However, Chelsea could look to test their resolve with a bid worth around €60 million.

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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca on if he will change anything for Arsenal clash

The two London rivals are set to face off at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday, November 10. Both sides are on 18 points after 10 games but Chelsea sit fourth while Arsenal sit fifth due to the former's better goal difference. Hence, it will be a crucial clash, not just for bragging rights but also for the league table.

Ahead of the match, Enzo Maresca was asked if he would make some changes to face the Gunners and he answered (via Football.London):

"We're always looking for something different, no matter if it's Arsenal or another team, to see how we can attack and defend in the right way. We did that this season against any team. For sure, Arsenal is the closest one to the best team in England, that is City. But we’re going to try to do our game, prepare in the best way we can and try to win."

Both sides have just two wins in their last five Premier League games. Arsenal have lost two and drawn one of the remaining three while Chelsea have drawn two and lost one.