Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Roman Villa costs £45m
ROMAN ABRAMOVICH is ready to demonstrate his commitment to Chelsea by bankrolling a British transfer-record bid for Spain striker David Villa.
Fresh from the outstanding attacking display that unhinged Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday, Chelsea could boast even more firepower next season by moving for Valencia forward Villa in the summer.
Chelsea owner Abramovich’s enthusiasm for football has been rekindled and he is prepared to sanction a lavish offer for Villa, 27, who is one of Europe’s most sought-after talents.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested in him, but could struggle to match the £45 million price tag that debt-ridden Valencia will seek for their prized asset. Manchester City also held talks with Villa’s representatives in January and money is no object to billionaire owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
But Chelsea and Abramovich hope that if a move to the Premier League appeals, it will be to Stamford Bridge not Eastlands.
Speaking in February, Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said: “Generally speaking what we would like to do is use internally generated cash to buy new players and by that I mean sell players and buy new players.
“But where an appropriate player comes along that is outside of that cash flow, then money would be available from the owner to buy that player. It all depends on the player and the circumstances.”
The brilliant Villa could be that player.