Signing Of The Summer? Abramovich Sanctions £318,000-A-Week Deal For Pogba

Contrary to the thoughts of many that Chelsea’s interest in Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba began after Manchester City drubbed them 3-0 at the Etihad a fortnight ago, that has not appeared to be the case.

According to the Sunday Times journalist Jonathan Northcroft per Sky Sports, the Blues boss Jose Mourinho wanted to sign Pogba at the inception of the summer transfer window, which is now set to be slammed shut on Tuesday.

Since that loss against the Citizens, Chelsea sprang to actions immediately by confirming the transfer of Baba Rahman from Augsburg and also hijacking Pedro Rodriguez’s transfer to Manchester United, with the latter bagging a goal and registering an assist in the match against West Bromwich Albion last Saturday. However, Pedro was unable to save Chelsea from suffering their second defeat of the Premier League season and Mourinho’s second at home in charge of Chelsea – as Crystal Palace emerged 2-1 winners.

However, reports have been rife of recent that Chelsea are looking to sign Pogba and a transfer is on the cards for the 22-year old to return to England, where he had previously had a spell with Manchester United.

The Daily Express claimed Pogba has demanded £318,000 weekly package from Chelsea if he were to sign, as that is what Barcelona – who are also interested but are on a transfer ban – are offering.

Meanwhile, Northcroft believes Mourinho wanted the France international midfielder at the start of the summer.

“Yes, he hasn’t gotten what he wanted. I think he wanted Pogba at the start of the summer, that was one he pushed for. And obviously he wanted Stones,” the journalist explained during Sky’s Sunday Supplement.

“The decline of certain players has probably shocked him. People like [Cesc] Fabregas, [Nemanja] Matic, [Branislav] Ivanovic in particular, and then somebody like John Terry going over that hill defenders go over. I think he’s been spooked by that.

“It’s typical Mourinho behaviour to show signs of rebellion when things aren’t going his way.

“It already feels like the title is City’s title to lose. If they maintain what they’re doing they’ve got enough already. Chelsea need a huge, huge winning run now and they look so far from that.”

Chelsea performances in the Premier League this season have been abysmal, as they have only been able to amass four points out of a possible 12 in four games, and this is arguably the worst ever record for a bad start for reigning league champions.