Chelsea are falling behind in one transfer raceplaceholder image
Chelsea are falling behind in one transfer race | Getty Images
Chelsea may be falling behind in their reported bid to land a hot talent this summer.
Enzo Maresca has already added Liam Delap to his squad ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, and he wanted to add a goalkeeper, but the bid to sign Mike Maignan did not materialise, at least not yet. Plenty of other positions need strengthening this summer, and Chelsea are expected to add another striker, winger, centre-back and a goalkeeper before the summer is up.
One young winger they are said to be interested in is Real Betis starlet Jesus Rodriguez. The 18-year-old has already racked up 20 league appearances for the Andalusian side, helping them secure Europa League qualification and a Conference League final spot, where Betis ultimately lost to Chelsea.
The Mail Sport have reported that Chelsea have “fallen in love” with Rodriguez over recent months, and that a deal could be on the cards this summer. That lines up given how Chelsea have prioritised young talent in the last 18 months or so.
But it looks like Premier League rivals Aston Villa might have beaten them to the punch, already making moves towards wrapping up a deal to sign the Spaniard. Fabrizio Romano has posted on X: “EXCL: Aston Villa start club to club talks for Real Betis talent Jesús Rodriguez. 2005 born talent on shortlist of several clubs but Villa made contact this week to start discussions.”
Rodriguez on his approach
Speaking about his new-found fame in an interview with Diario AS, Rodriguez said: “I used to go out on the street normally, but now I do it with the expectation that people will stop me and ask for photos, but for me, that's a source of pride. I'm fine with it and I still hang out with my lifelong friends.”
On the impact of Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini, he added: “He gives me a lot of confidence. He puts me in the starting lineup at 19, and that confidence shows on the pitch. He asks me to take charge and be myself.”
The young winger was then asked about his goal for 2025 as he looks to take further steps forward. “Personal improvement,” he added when discussing his goals. “People are talking about me, but I already told my father: 'Dad, I'm giving 50% of who I am.' I have to work to reach my best version soon. In terms of playing consistently and improving my numbers. A young person like me also needs to improve his decision-making.”
Confirming his favourite position, he said: “I've always played on the left, so I'm more comfortable there, but I don't have any problems on the right.” Rodriguez is involved in Spain under-21s’ European Championship campaign this summer, and if he performs well, interest is only likely to ramp up, adding urgency to Villa’s bid, and perhaps Chelsea’s if they now make a rival approach.
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