Real Madrid centre back Pepe has been tipped for a move to London during the next transfer window as Chelsea look to add to the signing of David Ruiz.
The fiery character is out of contract in summer 2012 and even though Real are negotiating an extension to his current contract an agreement is some way off.
One of the lowest earners at the club, Pepe has said that he wants to stay at Madrid and “be part of its history” but reports from Spain claim that Real president Florentino Perez won’t pay him more than €3 million – even if that means the player leaving.
Strength has never been an issue for Pepe so fitting into the Premier League shouldn’t be a problem. The 27 year old is a quality defender and would add some much needed youth to Chelsea’s ageing back line as well as some extra steel. He cost Real €30 million (£25 million) in 2007 and they will look to cash in if the defender chooses to move before his contract runs out next year.
Chelsea could be put off by the players’ demands especially after forking out £25 million for Ruiz but if Abramovich is in the mood for flexing his financial muscle Pepe would be a great addition to a reinvigorated Chelsea side.
