Frank Leboeuf is keen on Chelsea making a move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo this summer (Picture: ESPN FC)
Frank Leboeuf has urged Chelsea to join the race to sign Arsenal transfer target Rodrygo this summer.
The Blues still have much to play for this season with Champions League qualification still hanging in the balance as well as next week’s Conference League final against Real Betis on the horizon.
Despite a frantic end to the campaign, Chelsea are already laying the foundations for another summer of spending.
Attacking reinforcements, especially a new centre forward, represent a priority for Ezno Maresca, who looks set to be granted another year at the helm regardless of how the next week pans out.
Chelsea have spent heavily on wingers such as Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto and Mykhailo Mudryk since the Clearlake takeover two years ago with mixed success.
Get personalised updates on Arsenal everyday
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we’ll send you so we can get football news tailored to you.
Rodrygo, who is said to have become disenchanted at Real, however, represents ‘a different level’ of player and one who former Chelsea star Leboeuf believes the club should be targeting.
‘Yes, because he’s is different class,’ Lebouef told ESPN FC of a player who is valued at around £85million and is also said to be of interest to Arsenal.
Real Madrid C.F. v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg
Rodrygo could leave Real Madrid this summer (Picture: Getty)
Rodrygo next club odds
Arsenal 6/4
Liverpool 4/1
Newcastle 13/2
Chelsea 17/2
PSG 25/1
Odds supplied by Paddy Power
‘He has some experience, he knows the top level. Comparing him to the others who came and didn’t perform for Chelsea.
‘There were some unknown from the world of football, but Rodrygo is a different level and definitely a good signing but I think he would cost a lot.’
The Gunners, who have secured a top five place by virtue of last weekend’s 1-0 win over Newcastle, are also set to overhaul their attack in the close season.
Josh Kroenke made a rare public statement via Sunday’s matchday programme and vowed Mikel Arteta would be backed in the transfer window, especially after the Gunners kept their powder dry in January despite the obvious need for a striker.
Rodrygo responds to transfer speculation
The Real Madrid winger missed last week’s game against Real Mallorca amid speculation he had decided he had played his last game for the club.
Carlo Ancelotti subsequently insisted the player had been feeling unwell, while the 24-year-old, himself, issued a brief statement on social media criticising the Spanish media for making up false rumours about his future.
Rodrygo posted a message on social media amid speculation surrounding his future (Picture: X)
Paris Saint-Germain v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg
Josh Kroenke has vowed that Arsenal will spend in the transfer market this summer (Picture: Getty)
‘We plan to invest to get behind winning and doing better next season,’ he said.
‘We’re delighted we have our sporting director, Andrea [Berta], who will play an important role in this.
‘He is part of a unified and strong team, supported by the board, who are crystal clear on exactly what we need to do and the way in which we want to do it. The right way. The Arsenal way.’
MORE: Tottenham vs Man Utd: Win the Europa League final and Spurs have had a better season than Arsenal – trophies are the priority
MORE: Darwin Nunez nears Liverpool exit after reaching agreement with new club
MORE: Real Madrid ask £21m Arsenal target ‘to delay summer transfer’