If there’s a world-class wantaway player somewhere in Europe, you can be quite sure links to Chelsea will emerge. That’s exactly what has happened with Rodrygo.
The Brazilian has long been one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers, and it feels like he’s been around a long time.
But Rodrygo is still only 24, and has grown unsettled in the Spanish capital, either playing out of his preferred position or not playing at all.
Chelsea had Vinicius Junior on their radar for similar reasons just a few weeks ago. Fans of the Blues will be licking their lips at the prospect of either coming to Stamford Bridge, but a fresh update from Fabrizio Romano tells the truth of the situation.
Rodrygo playing against Chelsea
Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Rodrygo links to Chelsea are fabricated according to Fabrizio Romano
Football’s trusty transfer correspondent caught wind of the Rodrygo speculation, and took to YouTube to set the record straight.
As Romano explains: “Then on Rodrygo, it’s important to say that in the last 24 hours, we had links with Chelsea. From Brazil, they mentioned Chelsea as a possible solution for Rodrygo between the January transfer window or the summer.
“At the moment, what I’m getting as an answer from Chelsea sources is very clear. With maximum respect for Rodrygo, Chelsea are not in negotiations for Rodrygo. Chelsea are not in talks with Rodrygo’s camp or with Real Madrid. And there is zero ongoing between Chelsea and Rodrygo.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like Rodrygo is any way close to coming to Chelsea.
A shame considering the Brazilian’s immense talent, and because it’s a rare area where excessive spending would go down a treat with Chelsea fans.
The Rodrygo/Estevao showdown
Rodrygo, Estevao and Vinicius Junior playing for Brazil
Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images
The reason it would go down well is because — as good as Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens have been — the left side is a weak point. Maresca has to choose between the two new signings, but he would surely rather a talent like Rodrygo.
The opposite flank needs no such reinforcement. Estevao has earned Maradona comparisons already in his short time in England. I mention that only to say he has the right wing locked down for as long as he wears a blue shirt.
Where that could lead to a showdown with Rodrygo is on the international stage, with both vying for a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI at the World Cup.
Rodrygo has the same problem there as he has at the Bernabeu. Vinicius is taking up his favoured position. But unlike at Madrid, there’s a world-class winger on the opposite flank, in 18-year-old Estevao, who won’t just give up the role.
Both are in action for Brazil this week. It will be very interesting to see what Don Carlo decides.