Blow for Chelsea as Premier League rivals move to sign £100m-rated English star

Transfer News: Blow for Chelsea as Manchester City ramp up Jack Grealish interest

According to The Guardian, Chelsea have been handed a transfer setback as Manchester City ramp up their efforts to land Aston Villa skipper Jack Grealish this summer.

The English international was said to be ready to steal the player from under City’s noses in a deal worth £100m. Such a transfer would have been sensational as we would not just be improving ourselves but also denying a key rival a world-class player.

However, with the new season closing in, City have sprung into action and are making moves to land Grealish and Harry Kane. A decision on any potential deal is expected to become clear in the next few days.

The 25-year-old is one of the best midfielders in the league and is going from strength to strength with every passing season. He also showcased his skills on the international stage as England made it to the final of the European Championships earlier this summer.

Villa, however, are not keen to let their star man leave and have offered him a new contract. Their stance could however be tested should the player demand a move away. Such a move will offer City little in the way of discount as Villa could hold out for around £100m.

While Villa have gradually improved season upon season, they are still far away from offering Grealish a shot at silverware. City, on the other hand, are perpetual winners and will also expose the player to the UEFA Champions League.

There is little doubt that Grealish would vastly improve a City side already brimming with talent. While the Citizens are the favourites to land him, a deal has not yet been agreed upon.

Whether Chelsea can make a late move to land the player remains to be seen. Thomas Tuchel has a promising young team at his disposal. Adding Grealish into the mix will make them all the more formidable.

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The Blues are yet to make a major move since winning the UEFA Champions League last season. It is imperative that we build from a position of strength and lay the groundwork for an era of sustained success. Grealish is one such player who could become a mainstay for us in the years to come.

There is every chance that Grealish will sport Blue next season. Whether that will be the shade of Pep Guardiola’s City remains to be seen.