Chelsea Transfer Rumor: Blues On Course For Spanish Midfield Expert?

According to the latest reports, London-based Premier League side Chelsea are set to make a move for Spanish midfielder and anchorman Javi Garcia, who currently plays for Portuguese Primeira Liga side Benfica, as soon as the summer transfer window re-surfaces.

Previously, it was reported that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich had prepared a hefty list of players his team would be pursuing this summer. Now, a recent report has added Garcia to the list as an attempt by the Blues to make their midfield stronger before the 2012-13 campaign kicks off.

Garcia, 25, has played a vital role for Benfica in the past years and has attracted attention from a host of European clubs, mostly big ones. Clubs like Manchester United, Seria A side Juventus, and Manchester City have already enquired about the player in the past.

This could be a big buy for Chelsea if the deal happens successfully as the Blues are set to lose players like Jose Bosingwa, John Obi Mikel, Didier Drogba at the end of the season. Moreover, Salomon Kalou and Florent Malouda are also expected to move when their current contract with Chelsea expires in July.

Chelsea could rest assured that the side already possesses a holding midfielder in the form of Spaniard Oriol Romeu, but with the future of veteran Frank Lampard in question, the club could make use of some additional cover.

However, Chelsea will know that bringing the player to Stamford Bridge may not be easy as the player has already signed a new contract with the Portuguese club that will keep him at Estadio da Luz till 2018 and makes the total amount of his price tag even more complicated.

Garcia is yet to get a call from the Spanish national side, but a few believe that the player will be picked for the upcoming Euro 2012 tournament. Although the Spaniard is reported to have a release clause of $39.82 million (£25 million), it shouldn't be too much of a problem with the financial backing the club gets from Abramovich, according to a Footybunker report.

Garcia arrived at Benfica from Real Madrid in 2009 after he was deemed as surplus to the requirements of the Spanish club. The Spaniard has made a total of 111 appearances for Benfica thus far in all competitions.