Chelsea chiefs have been handed a potential discount after reportedly opening talks with the representatives of an "underrated" Brazil forward.
Chelsea braced for all-important Premier League final day
Enzo Maresca faces a vital Premier League final day clash against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, and a win against Nuno Espirito Santo's side would guarantee a place in the Champions League draw next season.
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Striker keen on Chelsea move and set for imminent decision after May talks
His agents were at Stamford Bridge in the last few days.
This is the closest race for Champions League qualification we've witnessed in years, with just three points between both third and seventh in the table as we head into the final matchweek of 2024/2025.
Race for Champions League qualification with one game remaining Points
3. Man City 68
4. Newcastle 66
5. Chelsea 66
6. Aston Villa 66
7. Nottingham Forest 65
As things stand, Chelsea are level on points with Newcastle and Aston Villa, with Maresca's men sitting above the latter side in fifth on just goal difference. If Chelsea were to draw or lose away to Forest, it would hand them or Villa a crucial lifeline in the chase for a spot in Europe's most prestigious competition.
Amid some reports that Maresca's long-term Chelsea future isn't certain, sealing all three points is absolutely vital for the west Londoners this weekend, but it is easier said than done against a Forest side who are directly competing with them for a coveted place in the top five.
The result of this intense battle will also have a direct impact on Chelsea's recruitment strategy this summer, amid reports they're targeting a high-profile move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo.
Chelsea handed £29 million discount on Rodrygo
A report from GOAL earlier this week claimed that Chelsea have opened discussions with the 24-year-old's representatives ahead of a "shock" bid, and this is backed up by CaughtOffside in another update.
rodrygo-real-madrid-chelsea-premier-league
However, the latter website reports that Rodrygo's price tag will be around £101 million, which is actually a £29 million marked drop on the Brazil international's previously mooted £130 million fee.
While still very expensive, it makes the transfer slightly more doable, and murmurs of a potential exit for the highly-rated forward are gaining more traction as Arsenal reportedly enter the race (Florian Plettenberg).
This price may well drop further if Rodrygo forces through an exit, but whatever his final price, there is no denying he'd upgrade any Premier League team.
“Rodrygo, so underrated,” said England midfielder and teammate Jude Bellingham when asked about the winger's importance to Real.
“For me, he’s probably the most talented and most gifted player in the squad. The things he can do with the football — we’ll be messing around, and he’ll flick the ball up somehow, and you’re like, ‘How do you do that?’. I’m trying to do it, twisting up my ankles and everything like that. He’s a pleasure to play with.
“He’s the one who sacrifices the most. It’s important to note that he does a lot for the team as well defensively on the right side, which isn’t his favourite. But he never complains, he just gets on with it.”