---
title: "Chelsea given boost in chase for star midfielder"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2016/05/31/chelsea-given-boost-chase-star-midfielder/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ste Hoare"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2016-05-31T11:10:49Z"
modified: "2016-05-31T11:10:49Z"
---

# Chelsea given boost in chase for star midfielder

Henrikh Mkhitaryan, a reported target for Chelsea, has rejected a contract extension at Borussia Dortmund, meaning he has just one-year left on his current deal with the club.

The Armenian had a wonderful season for Dortmund, scoring 23 goals 52 appearances. He also had 32 assists, some truly outstanding numbers for an attacking midfielder.

According to a report in [BILD](https://www.bild.de/bild-plus/sport/fussball/henrikh-mkhitaryan/lehnt-bvb-angebot-ab-46047628,var=a,view=conversionToLogin.bild.html), Dortmund offered him an extension but he chose to reject it, opening up the possibility that he will leave in the near future.

![Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/521242544.jpg)

Dortmund paid Shakhtar Donetsk around £23.5million to sign Mkhitaryan back in 2013 and they will be desperate for him to stay, although it looks like he has his heart set on a move.

The German side have allowed players to run down their contracts and leave on a free transfer before; Robert Lewandowski being one famous example. Whether they do the same with Mkhitaryan, or if they look to sell this summer to get back some cash remains to be seen.

Chelsea have been linked with a move for the 27-year-old in the past, so it remains to be seen if they decide to bid this summer in an attempt to put pressure on Dortmund.