Chelsea have reportedly taken bold steps in the transfer market with an audacious proposal to exchange Nicolas Jackson for Real Madrid’s Brazilian sensation, Rodrygo, a player who has attracted interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.
The west London giants have already splurged over £210 million this summer, aiming to build on last season’s successes, which included claiming the Conference League trophy, a top-four Premier League finish, and subsequent Club World Cup glory. With Enzo Maresca at the helm, the Blues are now focused on strengthening their squad for their upcoming Champions League campaign.
Despite the arrivals of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, and Jamie Gittens to bolster Chelsea’s attacking options, the departure of Noni Madueke to Arsenal and the ongoing attempts to offload Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix have left the club in pursuit of further firepower. Nkunku has garnered attention from Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham, with Chelsea setting a £35 million asking price. Meanwhile, Felix is reportedly willing to take a pay cut to facilitate a dream return to Benfica.
In a surprising twist, Defensa Central suggests that Chelsea are willing to offer Senegalese forward Nicolas Jackson in a straight swap deal for Rodrygo. Both players are valued in the region of €90m to €100m, making this a potentially enticing proposition for Madrid’s president Florentino Perez and manager Xabi Alonso, particularly with Rodrygo no longer considered ‘untouchable’ at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are also firmly in the hunt for Rodrygo, with the player’s agent, Pini Zahavi, tasked with mediating an offer from the Reds. Reports suggest Liverpool will leave no stone unturned in their quest to bring Rodrygo to Anfield, following his fall down the pecking order in Madrid.
Despite Arsenal originally circling for Rodrygo’s signature, their recent acquisitions of Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres have notably ‘complicated’ any potential deal. Sources close to the Gunners admit the ‘road is closed’, shifting the spotlight to Chelsea and Liverpool as they vie for the Brazilian’s services before the transfer window slams shut.
As decisions at the Bernabeu are awaited, the next few weeks promise to deliver dramatic developments in the pursuit of one of football’s hottest young talents.
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