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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Chelsea hold a long-standing interest in Bonmati</li><li>Were ready to put in a historic bid for the Ballon d'Or winner</li><li>The midfielder snubbed the Blues to continue at Barca</li></ul>

Aitana Bonmati's agent confirms Chelsea willing to spend big on Barcelona star in major update on Ballon d'Or winner's future

Chelsea FC Women

Manchester City Women

Liga F

Real Madrid Femenino

Barcelona

Bonmati has entered the final year of her contract with the Blaugranas but has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/aitana-bonmati-snub-interest-from-chelsea-sign-new-barcelona-contract-become-world-highest-paid-female-player/blted7d208e505db065#cs00762c8de21cca54" target="_blank">reached an agreement to ink a renewal</a> which could potentially make her the highest-paid player of the side. She has been at Camp Nou since the age of 13 and is set to continue her journey at the Catalan club in the future.

WHAT HAPPENED?

However, English giants, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/aitana-bonmati-chelsea-barcelona-keen-renew-ballon-d-or-winner-s-contract-amid-transfer-interest-wsl-clubs/bltb3162b905d6e23c6" target="_blank">Chelsea were ready to break the bank for Bonmati </a>by triggering her €3 million (£2.53m/3.32m) release clause - which would have made her the most expensive signing in the history of women's football. But the player rebuffed the approaches and placed her trust in the sporting project at Barcelona which has helped her scale the heights of success.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

In an interview on Catalunya Radio's Tot Costa programme, Bonmati's agent Cristian Martin revealed: "Chelsea were willing to pay the €3m termination clause. That Barça can compete with offers of this calibre shows you that, instead of lowering the women's budget, it is the other way around. In addition, Barça wants to continue to capitalise on the hegemony it has. It is consolidating its hegemony and Aitana's role within Barca is also being consolidated."

WHAT CHRISTIAN MARTIN SAID

However, Martin has warned that it would be a challenge for the Spanish league to compete with the financial muscle of WSL clubs in the future and Barcelona are well aware of the consequences. They have already lost forward Mariona Caldentey to Arsenal this summer after she refused to extend her contract and other stars could follow suit."The risk is that over the years the Spanish League will not improve and that this will not let it compete with the English clubs. The players may have new ambitions, as has happened with Mariona this season," he said.

DID YOU KNOW?

On the back of another stellar season with Barcelona, where she inspired her side to a historic continental quadruple, Bonmati is once again the favourite to land the Ballon d'Or in October. She will return to action on Friday against Real Sociedad in the Primera Division.

WHAT NEXT FOR BONMATI?

Aitana Bonmati's agent confirms Chelsea willing to spend big on Barcelona star in major update on Ballon d'Or winner's future | Goal.com

Aitana Bonmati&apos;s agent confirmed that Chelsea were ready to trigger the release clause of the Barcelona star to lure her to WSL.