Chelsea revisit deal as Bournemouth join race for Betis talent | OneFootball

Chelsea and Bournemouth Submit €35m Bids for Real Betis Midfielder in Summer Move Push

Premier League Pair Target La Liga Midfield Dynamo

Chelsea and Bournemouth have submitted firm offers to sign Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis, according to a report from Fichajes. The two Premier League clubs have each proposed a package worth €35 million, comprising €30 million up front and a further €5 million in variables.

The 23-year-old midfielder has emerged as a top summer target, with both clubs looking to reinforce their engine rooms. Cardoso’s rise in La Liga has not gone unnoticed. As reported: “With great ability to recover the ball, distribute with intelligence and offer balance, Johnny has become one of the most reliable players in the Betis team.”

Photo: IMAGO

Chelsea Return with Renewed Interest

Chelsea had previously shown interest in the player during the January transfer window, though talks ultimately stalled. Now, they’ve returned with a more structured offer as they continue their squad rebuild under the current regime.

Cardoso’s profile fits the bill—a composed, athletic midfielder capable of anchoring play and transitioning the ball. In a squad full of young talent still learning the demands of English football, he could offer much-needed tactical stability.

Bournemouth Ready to Compete

Bournemouth’s intent is just as serious. Under Andoni Iraola, the Cherries are striving to evolve into a more progressive and technically sound outfit. “Bournemouth, who are looking to strengthen their midfield with a profile like Cardoso’s, see him as a quality opportunity to keep growing in the Premier League.”

Photo: IMAGO

For Bournemouth, this is more than just filling a gap—it’s about building a side with purpose and identity. Going toe-to-toe with a club like Chelsea over a €35m player signals real ambition from the South Coast side.

Betis Hold Firm—for Now

Despite the pressure, Real Betis are not rushing into a decision. The club see Cardoso as a central figure in their midfield set-up and would prefer to keep him. However, the player himself may have other plans. As the report notes: “Johnny wants to make the leap to the Premier League.”

The decision now lies with Betis—cash in, or continue building around one of their most consistent performers?

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Cardoso is the kind of under-the-radar addition who could quietly become a backbone of the team for Chelsea. With so many promising yet inconsistent midfield options, having someone with a mature understanding of tempo and positioning would be a big plus. For €35m in today’s market, it’s a calculated gamble—and one Chelsea can afford.

From a Bournemouth perspective, this is genuinely exciting. Competing financially with Chelsea for a player of Cardoso’s calibre is one thing, but doing so with a real chance of landing him? That’s next-level progression. He fits Iraola’s pressing system like a glove—hard-working, tactically sharp, and reliable under pressure.

Bournemouth fans should be buzzing at the intent. This isn’t a survival signing—this is a push towards becoming an established top-half team. Whether or not it gets over the line, it’s proof that the club are thinking bigger, and that’s something every fan can get behind.