CHELSEA TARGET SUMMER MOVE FOR GUARDIOLA

By Staff Writer
Updated: 4 March, 2012

Speculation is mounting that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will make a move for Pep Guardiola at the end of the season, after today relieving Andres Villas-Boas of his job at Stamford Bridge.

Villas-Boas was shown the door after just nine months in charge and Chelsea number two, Roberto di Matteo has been given the job of handling team affairs at Stamford Bridge until the season ends in May.

This immediately led to suggestions that Chelsea have highlighted the man they want to replace be Villas-Boas, and also that the individual is currently already employed thus unavailable until the summer.

ESPN Soccernet have claimed Barcelona coach Guardiola is the man Abramovich wants, despite Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho and former Valencia coach Rafa Benitez also being heavily linked, and the speculation is also growing within English and Spanish media circles.

Guardiola is yet to extend his current deal at the Camp Nou and many are now suggesting the 41-year-old may call time on his stay in Catalunya and seek a move elsewhere.

Guardiola has made no secret of his desire to one-day work in England and the lure of rebuilding Chelsea with Abramovich’s millions could prove to much to ignore for a coach who would become the highest-paid in history if he were to make the switch to Stamford Bridge.

Follow @icentrocampista