I genuinely don't think £35m is over the odds in today's market, unless you're basically saying the obvious thing that every single player out there is bought over the odds when purchased by a big enough club.
I agree that Chelsea will likely say no, but then, there are already rumours about that Mata is heading up for a medical. God knows. I'd be delighted if we do get him, though, regardless of him not being a holding midfielder. When you need 3-4 great players, the first one is merely one less player we need.
