Chelsea have made contact with the camp of a title-winning attacker, but their approach has been knocked back firmly because they can’t offer Champions League football next season.
Chelsea ended up finishing sixth in the Premier League last season, which has resulted in them qualifying for next year’s UEFA Conference League.
Enzo Maresca, the new Blues head coach, can get his teeth stuck into Europe’s third-tier competition next season.
Could it impact the club’s ability to attract the best players in the transfer market, though?
Chelsea contacted Real Madrid star
TEAMtalk claims that Chelsea made contact with the representatives of Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo.
It is claimed that they did not receive positive feelings from the 23-year-old’s camp. In fact, without Champions League football at Stamford Bridge any move is not considered attractive for the Brazilian forward.
The report adds that Manchester City have shown concrete in interest in the Madrid ace. Paris Saint-Germain also admire the winger, but they have no intention of talks to sign him.
Apparently, Spanish giants Madrid won’t listen to or consider offers for their player.
Rodrygo belongs on the biggest stage
It’s not a real surprise that Madrid have no plans to sell Rodrygo. However, will his starting position come under threat next season following the summer arrival of Kylian Mbappe?
Rodrygo scored 17 goals and made nine assists last season for a Madrid side that won both the Champions League and the La Liga league title.
Described as “extraordinary” by Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti via AS in 2023, Rodrygo is a Brazilian superstar who must be playing in the Champions League year in year out.
For Chelsea, their aim should be to get back in the top four so they can attract the world’s best talent again.
In fairness, the Blues proved with the signing of Cole Palmer last summer it’s still possible to find transfer gems.