Chelsea have reportedly made an offer to sign Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid and they would break the British transfer record if they did so.
The Real Madrid star has struggled in Xabi Alonso's team this season, scoring just five goals in all competitions. He has not hit the back of the net since October 4 and has become frustrated with his game-time at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Back then he stormed off the pitch after being substituted in an El Clasico clash with Barcelona, and his relationship with Alonso and the Real fans has become fractured throughout a turbulent season in the Spanish capital.
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone taunted him earlier this week by appearing to say to him that Real president Florentino Perez is “going to get rid of you".
Alonso Backs Vinicius Jr To Get Back To His Best
Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid take on Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final on Sunday evening, with Alonso backing Vinicius to play a big part. Ahead of the game, he said: "Vini is emotional. You have to know how to be there for him. His teammates and the coaching staff make sure he understands. It’s a matter of timing. He’ll be back to his best and he’ll be decisive. We absolutely need him tomorrow. I hope to see him smile.”
Vinicius was named the FIFA Men's Best Player of the Year in 2024 - controversially missing out on the Ballon d'Or that year to Manchester City's Rodri - having picked up the La Liga player of the season award the year before that.
He appeared to have the world at his feet, but things have not gone according to plan since Alonso became manager at the Bernabeu and that could lead to his future lying elsewhere.
Vinicius' contract only has a year-and-a-half left to run and talks over extending the deal have stalled in recent months, with speculation linking the 25-year-old with an exit.
Were he to leave he would command a huge fee, despite the short nature of his current contract, given his status in the game and he would have no shortage of suitors.
Chelsea Statement Of Intent For Liam Rosenior
liam rosenior
According to Fichajes in Spain, Chelsea have already prepared an offer for the forward that would make him the British transfer record signing at €150million (£130million).
GIVEMESPORT reported in November that Chelsea were frontrunners, alongside Manchester City, to sign the forward were he to leave Real Madrid and that plan could be set to become a reality now.
Liam Rosenior has just arrived at Stamford Bridge to take the head coach hotseat, following the sacking of Enzo Maresca earlier this month and completing a deal to sign Vinicius Jr would be a real statement of intent and would show Rosenior that he has the full backing of the Chelsea board.
Vinicius Jr Is The Best In The World
vinicius
While Vinicius may have had his troubles at Real in the last few months, there is no doubting his quality. After missing out on the Ballon d'Or in 2024, Perez made a strong statement.
“Vinicius, you’re the best player in the world. I want you to know that the Real Madrid fans are proud of you, for everything you have had to endure in many unfair times and moments, all this has made you the player you are today”.
It would appear unlikely that Vinicius would leave the Bernabeu during the January transfer window, but with no breakthrough in contract talks in Madrid, Chelsea could put an offer on the table to complete a deal in the summer, to win the summer transfer window before it even opens.