According to The Sun, Chelsea are now ready to launch a bid for Atletico Madrid winger Thomas Lemar, with the La Liga side demanding £51 million for the World Cup winner.
The 24 year old was left out of Atletico Madrid’s squad for their goalless draw at home to ten-man Leganes on Sunday.
Lemar joined Atletico Madrid from Monaco in 2018 but has failed to live up to expectations in the Spanish capital.
Lemar is under contract at Atletico Madrid until 2023 but Diego Simeone has made it clear he has no future at the club.Earlier this month, Simeone said: “The facts speak for themselves, better than words. “It is certain that he has not been able to show all his qualities.
“Each time that he has been available, I have tried to play him. I have always been enthusiastic about his qualities as a player.
“He has not met the expectations set for him, but we have always had the same expectations. Today, who is to know if he will stay or not.
“His representatives are working hard. The clubs operate on what they need.”