Chelsea step up Pogba pursuit

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The Londoners are putting together the most lucrative package in the club's history to entice the highly rated France midfielder, who is valued at around €75 million by Juventus.....

Chelsea are stepping up their pursuit of Paul Pogba by preparing to offer him the most lucrative contract in their history, Goal understands.

The Londoners are putting together what sources say is a "staggering" package to entice the French sensation to Stamford Bridge this summer.

 

Cesc Fabregas joined Eden Hazard, Fernando Torres and John Terry in the top bracket of Chelsea earners on the playing staff when he transferred from Barcelona earlier this month for €35 million in a deal worth a basic €225,000 a week.

Owner Roman Abramovich is ready to sanction an even more lucrative offer for Pogba, who Jose Mourinho wants to pair in central midfield with Nemanja Matic next season.

With Fabregas earmarked for the No.10 playmaker role, Mourinho wants Pogba, who he believes will develop into one of the world’s finest midfielders, to be the driving force from a deeper position.

The 21-year-old, who started for France on Wednesday night in their 0-0 draw against Ecuador, has established himself at Juventus following his free transfer from Manchester United two years ago and was a key player in the club's Serie A triumph this season.

Goal understands that Juve are determined to keep hold of their prize asset but could be tempted into a sale were they to receive an offer that meets their €75m-plus valuation.

The Stamford Bridge club have already made discreet enquiries for Pogba and believe that he could be open to a return to the Premier League.

The midfielder has said that he wants to stay in Turin but his agent Mino Raiola has spoken of the possibility of him leaving the Italian champions.

The club will to have to offer Pogba a vastly improved contract to fend off interest from Chelsea and keep him in Italy next season.

His current deal has two years to run and Giuseppe Marotta, the general manager of the Serie A club, said last month: "We intend to extend Pogba's contract and we have already spoken with his agent. Paul is a smart guy and this is the perfect place for him to improve further. You cannot imagine him leaving Juventus."

The west Londoners have already been active in the transfer market this summer as Mourinho builds a team that he thinks can make an even stronger challenge next season for Premier League and Champions League glory.

Fabregas is expected to be followed through the entrance door by Atletico Madrid pair Diego Costa and Filipe Luis for a combined €70m. Costa has agreed to join Chelsea in a deal worth €43m and Luis is in advanced talks over a €26m switch.

However, David Luiz has agreed to join Paris Saint-Germain for an initial €50m and the Londoners have freed up space on their wage bill by releasing high earners Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard.