In which case, we do not have to sell him. We only have to accept the highest bid, that currently stands at £35m and could rise quite easily. Matt Law will be getting his info your end not ours and won't have any idea what we'll accept. We do not want to lose him and the owners will fight all the way to keep him, these are not Southampton type owners, happy to cash in on assets.
It's very much wishful thinking on the part of Chelsea that they believe we'll bend over for you because the player might want to go. That brings me onto another point, I have strong suspicions that this is very much his agent angling for a move.
Everything we know about the lad from his time here and his time elsewhere is that he's a very shy and quiet sort. Keeps his head down, wouldn't say boo to a goose. He drives around in a Mini, wasn't interested in forcing a move from his last club unless they agreed a fee. Just a really sound, nice bloke... not your typical footballer chasing the cash or causing problems to get a move etc. He was also an Arsenal fan as a kid. Him "picking" Chelsea just seems a bit of an odd one, at this moment in time. No affiliation with you guys and no champions league this year with plenty of other interest around. Stinks a bit of agent manipulation to me at the moment.
We had the same with Vardy, agent touting him around to all and sundry. Agent strikes up a deal after someone bites, when it's in the players hands... he decides he doesn't want to move. So I would take everything with a pinch of salt at the minute, even if Matt knows his stuff and it looks like it's pointing in one direction.
As for the Chinese club bidding for him, strong suspicions there also that we might be using them to drive up the price. Sven is there and despite his sacking, he's still in contact with the owners and still very good friends. Don't be shocked that should you match them the price doesn't jump up again.
If he does end up with you, I'd wish him all the best. Very disappointed he wouldn't give us one more year, but the lad is dynamite.