Chelsea will try to prise Bruno Guimaraes away from Newcastle United in January, say reports, but the Magpies are ready to make the midfielder their highest-paid player ever.
The Brazilian has been one of the key men for Eddie Howe’s side so far this season and has impressed in the Premier League since his £40 million arrival from Lyon in January.
Guimaraes has a deal until 2026 at St. James’ Park, but that won’t stop the Blues from making an ambitious move, according to Goal.
With N’Golo Kante and Jorginho in the final year of their deals, reinforcing the central midfield area is a priority for Chelsea.
A January bid for Guimaraes is therefore being considered at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea broke the all-time record for transfer spend in a single window during the summer, splashing out around £278m on a string of new signings including Raheem Sterling, Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella.
But Newcastle want to stop the Blues bidding machine in its tracks by offering Guimaraes a contract extension on lucrative terms.
The new deal could be worth as much as £200,000 per week, which would make the 24-year-old the highest-paid player in the club’s history.
Guimaraes, an eight-time Brazil international, has two goals and two assists to his name from nine Premier League appearances this season.
His form has helped propel Howe’s men into fourth place, seven points off league leaders Arsenal.
More Chelsea stories
Speculation over Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United future has intensified after he refused to come on against Tottenham in midweek, with Chelsea among the clubs linked with a January move.
Chelsea are reportedly considering a swoop for PSG forward Neymar, having decided they are willing to meet the Brazilian's considerable wage demands.
And in other transfer news, the Blues are among the clubs that are keen to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
