Chelsea and Barcelona are both involved in moves to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke, according to Sky sources.

 

Barcelona see him as a replacement for Cesc Fabregas who they are looking to offload over the summer.

 

But Chelsea are also taking steps to bring Koke to Stamford Bridge as Jose Mourinho looks to further strengthen his squad for next season.

 

The 22-year-old Spain international has been at Atletico all his career and played a key role this season as Diego Simeone's side clinched the La Liga title and reached the Champions League final.

 

Madrid-born Koke only agreed an extension to his contract with Atletico in January, taking him through to 2018, and he told Marca in April that he was content at the club.

 

"I am very happy and I do not think about leaving the club right now," he said.

 

"I am happy at home, I want to continue here and that is why I have a long contract.

 

"The rumours in the paper will have no impact on my game. I am young, but I am calm.

 

"Now is the best moment to enjoy being at Atletico. My future here will be long."

 

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/9335373/transfer-news-barcelona-and-chelsea-moving-to-sign-koke-say-sky-sources?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

We're apparently already signing Thiago, Costa and Luis... One more Atletico player won't hurt surely. 

 

Let's recall Courtois whilst we're at it as well. 

Only english media can use quotes about a player saying he is going to stay for a long time at his club and use it in a story about other clubs buying him.

 

Its so weird. You'd think they'd use quotes that backed up the headline. Those quotes are the complete opposite of the what the story is.

Edited June 2, 201412 yr by Stim

If Atletico are true to their word, then anyone who wants him needs to pay his release clause, which I heard was around 80mill euros.

Much rather him than Fibreglass

We are also interested in Godin aswell xD. http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/381784/Chelsea-to-splash-out-75m-to-sign-Atletico-quartet-Costa-Luis-Godin-and-Tiago

So assumingly if we signed all of these player along with bringing back Courtois we should change our name to Atletico' de Chelsea for sure. xD

Would be an excellent signing but I dont see it happening.

Either of him and Fabregas would do!

Much prefer him to Fabregas, unlikely though (both are).

Fabregas to us is more likely than Koke. I dont think Ath Madrid will sell any of there players unless the release clause is activated and i think i read that Koke release clause is ridiculously high.

Would much rather go for Fabregas. If we are going to be bringing in more midfielders than it should be someone who is the complete package.

...60m euro release clause... 

Would much rather go for Fabregas. If we are going to be bringing in more midfielders than it should be someone who is the complete package.

Agreed.

Not going to happen I read somewhere for him to leave it would take €60m...no thanks.

Apparently Barca are in for him which is why they are willing to let Fabregas leave.

All for it. Godin, Koke, Tiago, Luis, Costa, recall Courtois, keep Lukaku and bring in a backup striker like Bony and I think we'll be the football equivalent of a tank next season.

Think about it. All those Atletico players know each other well and play well together, so there is half the job done in terms of team cohesion already.

Edited June 3, 201412 yr by theblueone

Doesnt he have a €60m release clause?

Doesnt he have a €60m release clause?

Yeah which is why I think Barca want Fabregas sold as quickly as posible to fund the Koke deal.

I reckon Barca would prefer to sell Fabregas to us as it would mean they will have no competition to sign Koke.

All for it. Godin, Koke, Tiago, Luis, Costa, recall Courtois, keep Lukaku and bring in a backup striker like Bony and I think we'll be the football equivalent of a tank next season.

Think about it. All those Atletico players know each other well and play well together, so there is half the job done in terms of team cohesion already.

 

Spend £20 odd Million for Bony to be 3rd choice? that doesn't sound right.

All for it. Godin, Koke, Tiago, Luis, Costa, recall Courtois, keep Lukaku and bring in a backup striker like Bony and I think we'll be the football equivalent of a tank next season.

Think about it. All those Atletico players know each other well and play well together, so there is half the job done in terms of team cohesion already.

Let's swap teams with Atletico.

Let's swap teams with Atletico.

Might as well just relocate the club right next to Atletico to save the players having to move houses.

Koke has signed a contract extension with Atletico until 2019 which should end any rumoured interest ourselves or Barcelona had in him. 

Wonder if there is a release clause in there anywhere?

If not Atletico stand to make another fortune on him.

Wonder if there is a release clause in there anywhere?

If not Atletico stand to make another fortune on him.

 

If think every player in Spain has a release clause in their contract, I think I remember reading once that it's a rule/law that they have to.