Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca in Poland this week.Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca in Poland this week.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca in Poland this week. | AFP via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca is tipped to oversee a statement transfer window at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea prepare to return to the Champions League.
The 24-year-old has been with Real Madrid since signing from Santos in 2019 and has got his hands on three La Liga titles, two Champions League trophies and the Club World Cup in that time. Rodrygo has made 267 appearances for the Galacticos in that time, scoring 68 goals and picking up 50 assists.
The Brazil international would be a marquee signing for any Premier League club and could be on the move. Spanish outlet AS claim that the winger is waiting on a meeting with new Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso to talk about the future.
Chelsea in ‘fight’ for Rodrygo with Arsenal
Journalist Eduardo Burgos Rodriguez wrote on social media platform X: “London 'fights' for Rodrygo. The player is awaiting a meeting with Xabi Alonso to decide his future. Meanwhile, Chelsea and Arsenal are making their moves. Initial contacts have already taken place. This is an extremely complicated operation, but not impossible.”
The AS report adds that Chelsea are planning a big summer transfer window having qualified for the Champions League once again. The Blues are said to be wanting to make a statement start to the market and that could be by blowing Arsenal out the water for Rodrygo, who is considered the ‘complete’ option given his young age and experience. A €100 million price tag is touted, equivalent to £84 million, but it is suggested that will not deter Chelsea.
Speaking about the forward, transfer specialist Ben Jacobs told the Highbury Squad YouTube channel that Liverpool were also in the race at one point alongside Arsenal, but had thought that Chelsea were ‘less inclined to get involved’.
Jude Bellingham praises Real Madrid winger
Jacobs said: “As I broke six weeks ago, Rodrygo and Premier League clubs is one to watch. The three I was told was Liverpool – who are now not in the race, but they were aware of the opportunity, Arsenal and Chelsea. Chelsea don’t yet know what they want to do with their wide players, with Rodrygo, I think Chelsea are now less inclined to do that deal, but Arsenal are still exploring it.”
The forward has earned praise from his Real Madrid teammates this season. England international Jude Bellingham heaped praise on his colleague after Real Madrid beat Manchester City 3-1 in the Champions League this season.
He said: “Mbappé had a difficult start to the season and now Kylian and Vini's speed is terrifying for any defence. Rodrygo is so underrated. For me, he’s probably the most talented and most gifted player in the squad. Some of the things he does with the ball, I’m like ‘How?’, I would twist my ankles if I tried to do that."
In other news, Chelsea's dream starting XI next season if transfer rumours prove true as Liam Delap deal nears.
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