Chelsea have 'concrete' interest' in signing Grealish amid Abramovich vow
Chelsea have a "concrete interest" in signing Aston Villa star man Jack Grealish this summer, Football Insider has learned.
The big-spending Blues are ready to push Man City all the way for the England international as they prepare for another major recruitment drive.
A Chelsea source has told Football Insider that owner Roman Abramovich has made it clear to the hierarchy he will bankroll top-tier signings like Grealish if deals can be agreed.
Interest from Chelsea will be a concern to City given the vast resources available to the Londoners.
The Champions League holders were the biggest spenders last summer, when the headline recruits included Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech and Edouard Mendy.
This site revealed on 2nd April that the Villa talisman is top of Pep Guardiola's target list and the club are lining up a huge offer to get their man.
Chelsea have one advantage over their rivals after victory in the Champions League further swelled their bank balance.
Villa chiefs are preparing for the potential exit of their star man and last week completed the club-record signing of Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City.
They are also pursuing Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse and are readying an improved £30million bid for Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith-Rowe.
Grealish, 25, signed a new five-year contract last September that runs until the summer of 2025.
But it is believed to contain a buyout clause that would trigger his departure for a set fee.