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The blues are keen to sign Real Madrid star Marco Asensio in the Summer Transfer window, according to several reports in Spain.
The deposed Premier League Champions are reportedly looking to improve their attacking options ahead of next season after losing their crown to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.
After a brilliant first season under Conte last term, Chelsea has failed to live up to the expectations they set last year. Currently languishing in 5th place, 8 points behind 4th placed Tottenham, Chelsea is most probably going to miss out on the Champions League next season, and Chelsea reportedly looking to hit the summer market with the aim of securing a mass influx of fresh talent.
Asensio is reportedly top of the Blues' transfer list, with Roman Abramovich being an admirer of the Spanish playmaker, according to Diario Gol.
Real Madrid too, has not enjoyed the best of seasons this time around. Despite winning the Champions League and La Liga last season, they have not been able to continue the trend and are currently in 3rd place in the league table and all but certain to lose their crown to rivals Barcelona. Shockingly knocked out of the Cup by mid-table Leganes, their only hope of a trophy this season remains in the Champions League.
Asensio has endured a frustrating spell for Real Madrid this season, with his path to the first team congested with big names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Isco all occupying attacking spots in Zinedine Zidane's team. Stats wise though, Asensio has enjoyed a good season so far with 10 goals and 6 assists in 27 appearances for Los Blancos.
The Real Madrid Management is desperate not to lose Asensio, but reports suggest that Chelsea's interest has turned the player's head. With the Blues reportedly assuring Asesnio that they will double his current €4.5M salary, and are prepared to go as high as €150M to bring him to Stamford Bridge.
However, the probability is that Asensio is most likely going to use Chelsea's interest to make his demands to Real Madrid, reportedly asking for a hefty pay raise, and the promise that no new signings are made in his position. In a recent interview with Nike, the Spanish playmaker rubbished any claims that he was thinking of a move to the Premier League, stating that he was going to "stay and score many goals" for the Merengues.
