Chelsea + Spurs To Agree Big-Money Swap Deal?

As we approach the opening of the summer window clubs will be intensifying their efforts in the transfer market so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, could Chelsea and Spurs agree a big-money swap deal.

London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham could be set to negotiate a big-money swap deal involving midfielder Paulinho and out-of-favour striker Romelu Lukaku., according to reports today.

Paulinho only moved to White Hart Lane from Corinthians last summer in a £17m deal, which at the time was regarded as something of a coup for Spurs as they were able to beat off interest from several top clubs to secure his signature.

However, the midfielder hasn’t settled in North London, and after a promising start to life under former coach Andre Villas-Boas, the 25-year-old has struggled for form and fitness during the second half of the campaign and hasn’t always been an automatic first choice for Tim Sherwood.

The uncertainty over his role at the club has been taking it’s tole on the player after he admitted last month that he’s not ‘comfortable’ at Spurs and want’s to be playing more regularly.

‘I understand the team rotation because that’s how it works here, but I am not feeling well or comfortable. I want to be present, I want to play.” Paulinho is quoted as saying by the Telegraph.

The Telegraph claim that Roma and AC Milan are keen on luring the Brazilian international to Italy but Spurs are also aware of strong interest from Chelsea. Jose Mourinho is understood to be on the look-out for a box-to-box midfielder to replace Frank Lampard and it appears Paulinho has emerged as a serious candidate. While he’s not been at his best this season, the South American has still got seven goals to his name and has the physical presence Mourinho looks for in his players.

Interestingly, the newspaper suggests that Paulinho’s representative, Giuliano Bertolucci, is encouraging Chelsea’s interest and he’s understood to have close ties with the West London club after having a helping hand in the moves of David Luiz, Ramires and Oscar to Stamford Bridge.

Although it’s not clear whether Tottenham would be willing to cash-in on Paulinho after just 12 months, the Telegraph claim they could use Chelsea’s interest to negotiate a swap deal involving out-of-favour striker Lukaku.

Spurs have been strongly linked with the on-loan Everton hitman in recent weeks and with his future at Chelsea looking bleak, a move to White Hart Lane could be tempting for the Belgian international.

Lukaku has been hugely impressive at Goodison Park this season, scoring 14 goals so far to help the Toffees push for a top four place, but with Arsenal set to pip the Merseysiders to the final Champions League place, Roberto Martinez is unlikely to have the required funds to make the move permanent this summer.

READ MORE: Chelsea transfer news | Spurs transfer news

Therefore, a swap deal involving Paulinho could suit both Spurs and Chelsea and it could be relatively straightforward move as both players are understood to be valued at around £25m.

What do Chelsea and Spurs fans think of this proposed swap deal? Share your thoughts below.