Chelsea transfer chiefs have made contact over signing a “unique” forward who Real Madrid are targeting to replace the coveted Rodrygo, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Chelsea prioritise winger signing amid uncertain futures
Noni Madueke, Jadon Sancho and Mykhailo Mudryk all face uncertain long-term futures at Stamford Bridge.
Striker keen on Chelsea move and set for imminent decision after May talks
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While Madueke has started each of their last seven Premier League games, making 39 appearances in total under Enzo Maresca this season and scoring 11 goals, it is believed by some that Chelsea could still sell the Dutchman, amid interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle (GiveMeSport).
Chelsea have triggered the obligation to buy clause in Jadon Sancho’s loan from Man United as well, which was conditional on them finishing above 15th in the table, but the ex-Borussia Dortmund star may actually be sold on when the window reopens.
3. Man City
68
4. Newcastle
66
5. Chelsea
66
6. Aston Villa
66
7. Nottingham Forest
65
Indeed, some reports suggest that Chelsea are even plotting the use of Sancho as a makeweight in potential deals for wide targets, like Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, while Mykhailo Mudryk’s failed drug test has resulted in a lengthy suspension/investigation for the Ukraine international.
Given Mudryk, Sancho and Madueke are all not guaranteed to be mainstays for Maresca next term, Chelsea are reliably believed to be in the market for a new winger, with BlueCo thought to be prioritising the position alongside signing a new striker and centre-back (Simon Phillips).
Real Madrid star Rodrygo has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the last week, but the Brazil international would cost a marquee fee and there is no guarantee that they’d win the race, with Arsenal now freshly contending for him.
What is clear, though, is the possibility of Rodrygo leaving the Bernabeu. Spanish newspaper Marca have reported that Real are already eyeing replacements for the 24-year-old, and he’d be the most likely candidate to depart if they sign Athletic Bilbao sensation Nico Williams.
Chelsea make contact over signing Nico Williams
Interestingly, as per Romano, Williams is another wide player who Chelsea “love”. The £170,000-per-week forward has been on fire over the second half of 2024/2025, and a move is highly anticipated this summer after Williams’ decision to remain in Bilbao and snub a transfer last year.
His contract includes a £49 million release clause as well, which may not pose a problem for Chelsea, but the Spain international is thought to be demanding around £400,000-per-week from any interested side.
However, that hasn’t stopped BlueCo from expressing a serious interest in the attacking talent, who bagged 19 assists in all competitions last season and helped his country to glory at Euro 2024.
According to Romano, speaking via his YouTube channel, Chelsea have made contact about signing Williams, as they attempt to gauge the expense of his final package.
“Chelsea and Arsenal love Nico Williams and have made contacts to understand how much the whole package will be,” he said.
“In recent years, it has been very expensive. €58m clause, taxes, salary and commissions.”
Called a “unique” player by Blues legend Jose Mourinho, there are financial aspects to consider, especially if Chelsea don’t qualify for the Champions League, but he’d be a truly stellar addition.