Nemanja Matic itching to make expensive Chelsea return
Chelsea are hopeful of pulling off an extraordinary deal to re-sign Nemanja Matic that could cost them ten times his valuation when he left Stamford Bridge three years ago.
Benfica have rejected an initial bid of £21 million for the Serbia midfield player and are demanding a fee closer to the £37 million buy-out clause that was inserted into a contract he signed last year, but the two clubs will continue to liaise this month.
Matic joined Benfica as a makeweight in part of the £21 million deal that took David Luiz to Chelsea, with his own valuation as little as £3 million. The 25-year-old made just two appearances for Chelsea after joining from Kosice, the Slovakian side, but is eager to return after maturing into an aggressive and physically imposing player. Matic has told Benfica of his desire to leave.
Chelsea’s move for Matic will be partially funded by the sale of Kevin de Bruyne, who is expected to complete his £16 million move to Wolfsburg today. The Belgium player, who spent last season on loan at Werder Bremen, only started two matches for Chelsea since joining from Genk two years ago. Chelsea are not expected to conduct any other transfer business this month, with José Mourinho, the manager, reiterating his stance that Juan Mata will not be sold.