That eye-watering figure has not put off Wolfsburg, though, who will try to negotiate Chelsea's asking price down but are ready to spend big on De Bruyne.
Wolfsburg officials are understood to have met Chelsea on Monday to try to thrash out a deal for De Bruyne.
The Belgian midfielder wants to leave Stamford Bridge for good and is attracted by the prospect of returning to Germany, where he spent a successful season on loan at Werder Bremen.
Despite the fact he has largely been left out by manager Jose Mourinho, Chelsea are reluctant to let De Bruyne go permanently as the club still believe the 22 year-old will blossom into a top player.
Spanish club Atletico Madrid are willing to take De Bruyne on loan for the rest of the season, but the player is not keen on another temporary switch.
Wolfsburg are planning more talks with Chelsea and will test their resolve to hold on for £25m by submitting at least one formal bid.
