Chelsea are reportedly making an ambitious push to sign Real Madrid star Rodrygo as new head coach Enzo Maresca looks to add a marquee name to his attacking setup.
The Blues have identified the 24-year-old Brazilian winger as a priority target, with Maresca allegedly insisting that “a player of his quality cannot remain stuck in Munich,” signaling his determination to bring the forward to Stamford Bridge.
Yet, Real Madrid’s massive asking price has presented a daunting challenge for the London club.
Rodrygo, renowned for his blistering speed, technical skill, and deadly finishing, has been a key figure at Real Madrid since his €45 million switch from Santos in 2019. He played vital roles in Los Blancos’ La Liga and Champions League double triumphs in both 2022 and 2024.
Fans will remember his iconic brace against Chelsea in the 2022/23 Champions League quarter-finals, which underlined his ability to perform on the biggest stages. Nevertheless, speculation over his future has intensified recently as his minutes have dwindled under the new management of Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea’s move comes at a time when the club is desperate to strengthen its attack. Maresca reportedly views Rodrygo as a versatile and dynamic option who can play across the front line and link up perfectly with rising star Cole Palmer.
Early contacts have already been made between Chelsea and Real Madrid, but the Spanish giants are demanding a staggering €100 million (£86 million) for their winger—an amount that has left Chelsea’s board stunned. This eye-watering figure highlights Real Madrid’s reluctance to let go of a player still tied to the club until 2028.
Despite the steep cost, Chelsea’s interest is in line with their recruitment strategy of targeting young talents with world-class potential. Rodrygo’s adaptability allows him to operate on both wings or even centrally, making him an ideal replacement for outgoing attackers like Noni Madueke.
The pursuit, however, faces added complications as Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool are also reportedly monitoring the situation. Arsenal, in particular, are said to consider him a possible long-term improvement over Gabriel Martinelli.
Reports suggest that Real Madrid’s willingness to negotiate could be influenced by their interest in financing future blockbuster moves, such as a bid for Erling Haaland. While Rodrygo has publicly expressed his preference to remain in Madrid, his reduced role—evident from starting just once in the recent Club World Cup—has cast doubt on his long-term future under Alonso.
Chelsea are now weighing their next steps, including the possibility of structuring a swap deal to ease negotiations.
With the transfer window heating up, the saga promises to be one of the summer’s most closely watched stories. Fans are left wondering if Maresca can convince Real Madrid to lower their demands or if Chelsea will walk away from the €100 million standoff.
