According to reports from The Times this morning, Chelsea have offered Brazil defender Filipe Luis to Atletico Madrid in exchange for in-demand centre-back Toby Alderweireld.
The Belgium international found first-team opportunities hard to come by during his debut campaign at Vincente Calderon, as his parent club lifted the La Liga title. But he impressed on loan at Southampton this year, making 26 league appearances and playing a pivotal role in Ronald Koeman’s side claiming the second-best goals conceded column in the Premier League – after title winners Chelsea.
As This Is Futbol revealed in May, Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and the Saints are all considering summer deals for the 26 year-old. Man City and Spurs want him to partner compatriots Vincent Kompany and Jan Vertonghen respectively at the heart of defence, whilst the St. Mary’s outfit have an option to acquire Alderweireld’s services permanently for £7million.
Atletico, however, reportedly plan to exonerate that that right for a previously agreed £1.5million fee, which would then allow them to sell at their preferred valuation of £15million.
They’re believed to have already offered the 6 foot 2 defender to the Premier League champions and Chelsea now are hoping to use Filipe Luis as a makeweight to reduce Alderweireld’s price tag.
The 29 year-old spent four years with the Mattress Makers, winning a Europa League title, a Copa del Rey and a La Liga title, before moving to west London last summer in a £16million deal. Having gone on to make just nine Premier League appearances, however, he recently admitted his future with the Blues is in serious doubt.