Barcelona are demanding a lot of money for one player who Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing.
Chelsea could be about to splash the cash again this summer, though they obviously need to be wary of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
The Blues may need to sign another central defender because of Thiago Silva’s imminent departure, while Mauricio Pochettino could do with another centre-forward as well.
Nicolas Jackson has done well this season, scoring 14 goals in 33 Premier League appearances. However, he is the only striker in Chelsea’s squad right now.
Victor Osimhen is one No.9 who has been linked with a move to west London.
Barcelona hoping to sell defender for £86m
In terms of centre-halves, Chelsea could turn to Barcelona to sign one this summer.
GiveMeSport recently claimed that the Blues are interested in Ronald Araujo, but the 25-year-old will not come cheap.
According to Sport, Barcelona are demanding €100m (£86m) for Araujo, who Xavi has described as “spectacular” in the past.
The Uruguayan would comfortably make Chelsea’s list of most expensive signings in the club’s history if he is signed for that much.
Why Chelsea should not spend £86m on Ronald Araujo
Araujo is not going to bring the same level of experience or leadership that Silva possesses to Stamford Bridge.
Not many players can, with the Brazilian turning 40 in September and earning over 100 caps for his country.
Araujo is also not going to be a clear upgrade on some of the central defenders Chelsea already have.
For example, the Barcelona star has ranked in the 74th percentile for aerials won among his positional peers over the last year (FBref). Disasi, meanwhile, has ranked in the 78th.
If Chelsea are going to spend £86m on a central defender when the transfer window opens in the summer, then it has to be on someone who is going to be an upgrade on what they already have and guarantee improvement.