Atletico expose Chlesea raid

La Liga club Atletico Madrid claim Chelsea offered them 52 million pounds for stars Sergio Aguero and Diego Godin.

Atletico chief Miguel Angel Gil says the Premier League giants attempted an expensive double-swoop on two of the club’s best players during the January transfer window.

The news would not be surprising with Chelsea thought to be keen on signing a defender after the chase for Benfica’s David Luiz came to a halt when the Portuguese club rejected Chelsea’s 17-million-pound bid.

Gil also revealed that Chelsea were not alone in their pursuit of Argentine Aguero, with Real Madrid also making a 39 million pound offer for the in-demand striker.

“Yesterday I received an offer of 45 million euros (39 million pounds) from Real Madrid for Aguero and I said no,” Gil told AS.

“This week, Chelsea offered us 60 million euros (52 million pounds) for ‘Kun’ (Aguero) and Godin and our answer was the same.”

“I will not negotiate with Real Madrid or any other club for Aguero now or in the summer. Atletico have said no to the two offers because they believe in these two players.”

But Chelsea refused to comment on the speculation that the pair were on their way to Stamford Bridge.

“We do not respond to transfer rumours no matter how wild they are,” a club spokesman said.

While Gil’s hands-off warning could sour Chelsea’s interest, they are reported to be seriously interested in the duo.

Aguero, just 22, has scored more than 50 goals for his club and regularly represents Argentina, while Godin has already won 43 caps for Uruguay at the age of just 24.