Unrestricted free agent Joel Amartey could cost himself $1 million over the life of a five-year contract, should his loyalty remain with the Sydney Swans.
The Swans drafted Amartey with Pick 28 in the 2018 Rookie Draft, and he has kicked 114 goals from 76 games in the years since. The 27-year-old is weighing up whether or not to exercise his free agency rights, while simultaneously being confronted by the very real possibility that he does not slot back into Sydney's September side following his recovery from an achilles injury; such is the forward line's recent form.
SEN reports the offer put to Amartey by Carlton power brokers puts the one on the table by the Swans to shame.
The Blues are understandably keen to support Harry McKay more ably, after the Blues' spearhead struggled at times this season, after long-time forward-half colleague Charlie Curnow left Princes Park to usurp the likes of Amartey in Sydney's red and white.
The utility provided by Amartey and his ruck relief would also be attractive to Josh Fraser, Chris Davies, Graham Wright and co.
Ahead of the Swans' surprise victory over Brisbane in a qualifying final last week, Amartey was in the frame to return to the Swans' lineup for the first time since Round 16 after overcoming injury.
He was not selected, and fellow key forwards Charlie Curnow, Logan McDonald and Hayden McLean combined for 14 majors in his absence, in worrying signs for the Beaumaris product's chances of featuring at the level once again this season.
Amartey's loyalty lies with the club of his drafting, but with the offers so far apart in their worth, and with this likely to be Amartey's last chance to cash in, given his age, money may just talk.
The Blues confirmed they've met with the Swans tall, and have been open about their desire to improve their list with free agents.
It's understood Carlton has fallen out of the race for Hawthorn's Calsher Dear, while delisted Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan is set to join Collingwood.
The Blues will not be adding utility Buku Khamis, who has re-signed with the Western Bulldogs on a five-year deal.
