Transfer News: Chelsea to demand £40m from PL rivals for on-loan English star

Chelsea to ask £40m from Aston Villa for Ross Barkley permanent transfer

According to 90min.com (h/t Birmingham Live), Chelsea are set to demand a transfer fee of £40m from Aston Villa, who are eyeing a permanent deal for Ross Barkley.

The 27-year-old has been with Chelsea since January 2018, having made the jump from Everton. However, during his time at Stamford Bridge, Barkley was never quite able to establish himself as a first-team regular.

Having fallen down the pecking order over the course of his spell at the Bridge, the England international was allowed to leave Chelsea on loan in the summer.

Having signed for Aston Villa, Barkley has enjoyed a resurgence of sort. Even though he spent some time out on the sidelines, the 27-year-old has still managed to catch the eye with four goals and an assist in 15 games across all competitions. (h/t Transfermarkt)

Barkley has struck up an intriguing partnership with fellow England international Jack Grealish. Now, the Midlands outfit are interested in converting his loan deal into a permanent one at the end of the season.

And, it seems like Chelsea would be open to the prospect of such a deal, with the club now demanding a transfer fee of £40m from Aston Villa. Should they meet that valuation, it will be a club record for transfer fee for the Villans.

Barkley not a big loss

While the midfielder has certainly shown promise at the Villa Park, losing Barkley might not be a major loss for Chelsea. Thomas Tuchel has a packed midfield unit with Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, and Jorginho.

Barkley, if he stays, would likely be competing with Mount and Havertz for a starting berth. But, given how integral Mount has been and Havertz’ sky-high potential, they would certainly be ahead of him in the pecking order.

In addition, there is also young Conor Gallagher who is out impressing on loan at West Bromwich Albion while Ruben Loftus-Cheek is another prospect.

So selling Barkley is unlikely to be a major dent for Chelsea. Having signed him for £15m, the Blues stand to make a handsome profit if Villa meet their asking price.