Torres Bid

JohnnyBravo

Massive bid for Torres rejected

From Rivals
Date: 31/3/2004

Reports in Spain say that Chelsea have made an offer to Atletico Madrid for their Wonderkid, Fernando Torres. The offer was, says the paper, for €36 million plus two Chelsea players: Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Claude Makelele. Atlético refused, saying he's not for sale.


The report was in 'As', the pro-Real Madrid daily (and a childish rag). Nevertheless, it contains a wealth of detail about what it considers as Roman Abramovich's obsession to land one of Spanish football's hottest prospects. Fernando Torres is second in the Primera Liga's goalscoring charts (behind only Ronaldo). Great things are also expected of him at Euro-2004. No wonder, 'As' considers, that Roman wants him.

So he made an offer to Atlético this very week. The offer was for €36 million plus two players - Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Claude Makelele - who are valued at a further €18 million. A total, therefore, of €54 million is considered as disproportionate in the current football market. That said, Atlético's reply was loud and clear (and immediate): the striker known as el Niño is not for sale.

Of course, this is not the first time that Chelsea have been interested in Torres. Over the summer, an offer (said to be of €24 million) was tabled. Since then, Torres' value has clearly increased - as measured by the fact that Chelsea's bid is more than twice that of the summer. Atlético's refusal was delivered despite the fact that Jimmy and Makelele occupy positions on the pitch that Atlético are looking to strengthen over the summer. Despite the fact, also, that both players are well accustomed to Spanish football. In Jimmy's case, we are talking about an ex-Atlético player who is still revered at el Calderon.

Needless to say, given Torres' talent, Chelsea will be competing with others for the youngster's services. Manchester are also interested. Indeed, they are said to have offered €30 million and Diego Forlán, which is somewhat less than Chelsea's bid. Moreover, with the news that Manchester may well have only £15 million for transfers this summer might well shake off that particular competition. There are other clubs in Italy that are also monitoring Torres' situation.

The fact that Torres signed a new contract only this winter is clearly not a dissuasion. 'As' is sure that Chelsea will be back with another offer.

Pacifico

Wow its all kicking off today!

woosaysdan

is this another ha ha aprils fools?

Gangsta

it's just a load of bull****. And also that Terry bid (btw Henry has scored while Terry was playing). Looks like JohnnyBravo is just looking for attention.

johnor

Yea right and some russian billionaire will take over and make chelsea the most desireable club for want away moneygrabbers. On april fools day no less.....

MrJoeSoap

If I had a football team and endless billions I'd buy Torres. He's a high quality forward. Pity about the story though.