featRoss Barkley had agreed a £30m+ move to Chelsea, but then changed his mind and walked out of a medical at Cobham. But that doesn’t mean that the 23 year old is a lost cause for Antonio Conte’s team.
The Telegraph’s Matt Law, who covers Chelsea with great accuracy, had word of Barkley’s medical u-turn, but he maintains that Barkley still wants to join the Blues and may do so in January.
Another Ross Barkley update. I'm told he has not fully rejected Chelsea and they hope to reach an agreement that will see him move in Jan.
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) August 31, 2017
The good news for Chelsea is that if they can make it to January with their paper thin squad, the England international will cost them significantly less than now, as only will 6 months remain on his contract meaning he would be able to negotiate with clubs for a free transfer in the summer of 2018.
Barkley situation amazing but Chelsea very much want to sign him in January and do not feel he has rejected them. He asked for time.
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) August 31, 2017
Barkley offers a homegrown option for Antonio Conte, an increasingly rare and expensive quality for players in the Premier League.
A lot can change between now and January however – in fact a lot can change in the course of a medical.
