REPORT: Chelsea ‘Wants To Make Room’ to sign £84M rated attacker following Delap Deal
Chelsea are hoping to step up their pursuit of Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, according to reports in the Spanish media.
The Brazilian international has been tipped to leave the Bernabeu this summer in the search for more game time.
Madrid-based publication AS claim that the Blues and Arsenal are the leading contenders to sign Rodrygo.
The newspaper say that Gunners have actually advanced their interest the furthest, having made “informal” contacts with the player’s entourage.
However, Chelsea are expected to make their own move for Rodrygo “soon” as they look to strengthen their forward line..
Rodrygo’s arrival is dependent on departures
One of the key reasons that Enzo Maresca’s side have not made a concerted move for the 24-year-old so far is that they need to ensure they have space in their squad.
AS report that the Blues “wants to make room” for Rodrygo by offloading Christopher Nkunku and potentially Jadon Sancho.
The Real Madrid star won’t be available on the cheap. He will ask for a sizeable salary in addition to his transfer fee, which could be as high as €100m (£84m).
Chelsea are currently focused on recruiting another forward
Liam Delap is expected to complete his move to Stamford Bridge imminently. The London club have managed to see off competition from the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle and Everton for the 22-year-old’s services.
The Ipswich striker’s £30m release clause has been triggered and he is expected to undergo a medical before signing a long-term contract.
Once the deal for Delap is finalised, the club will switch their attention to other targets. With Rodrygo still having not decided whether he wants to leave Real, it may be a transfer that is revisited later in the summer, but it seems he is one of Chelsea’s main targets to reinforce the left flank.