Reports coming out of Italy this morning are suggesting that Chelsea has sensationally hijacked a move for Roma star centre-back Mehdi Benatia by offering the Italians £18million plus Belgium international striker Romelu Lukaku.
Il Messaggero is claiming that Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is desperate to sign the Moroccan international defender and is prepared to do whatever it takes in order to get him to Stamford Bridge.
Manchester City meanwhile thought that they had got a deal all wrapped up after agreeing personal terms with Benatia, but had not in fact agreed anything concrete with Roma.
If Manchester City is to continue in their desire to sign the former Udinese player they must now put at least £38 million on the table to match Chelsea’s offer with the Blues already telling interested parties that they value Lukaku at £20 million.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool have also expressed interest in the 27-year-old, but in a move that is sure to infuriate City boss Manuel Pellegrini Chelsea appears to be in the driving seat with Pellegrini now perhaps forced to take a look at Porto star Eliaquim Managala as someone to partner Vincent Kompany in the Citizens defence.
