Chelsea considering £17.5m bid for Borussia Dortmund striker Lucas Barrios – report

According to talkSPORT, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been monitoring 26-year-old Barrios over the last few months, and are considering making a £17.5 million bid for his services.

The link comes four days after Barrios told Sky Sport: “It’s pleasing to know Italian clubs are interested in me. I have always been fascinated by Serie A, but La Liga and the Premier League are also leagues I would like to play in one day.”

The Paraguayan forward has scored 11 goals in 23 Bundesliga matches for Dortmund this year, and has played a considerable role in his team’s phenomenal campaign. With 10 matches left to be played, Dortmund have a 12-point lead over Bayer Leverkusen.

Chelsea may find it difficult to prise Barrios away from Dortmund, however. 

After admitting a desire to eventually move abroad, he added: “For now I am happy in Germany and I am focused on doing my best to win the Bundesliga with Dortmund.”

Barrios’ current deal at the Westfalenstadion is set to expire in 2014.