Real Madrid to battle Chelsea for another top young CB

Real Madrid and Chelsea were both in pursuit of Sevilla center back Jules Kounde, who remains available after his deal to the Blues fell through this summer. Los Blancos, meanwhile, may still be interested in adding a young center back, though Kounde does not seem to be a priority with rumors cooling off. This despite Kounde having a strong start to the season for Sevilla, who are right there with Real in the La Liga title race.

Kounde isn’t the only future star at center back who interests both Real Madrid and Chelsea. According to a report from Foot Mercato’s Santi Aouna, both clubs have made contact with the environment of Leicester City standout Wesley Fofana.

Leicester City have a trio of players who could interest Los Blancos. Youri Tielemans is the best of them, and defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is another. But there have been more rumors linking Real to Fofana, who even openly stated that he dreams of playing at the Santiago Bernabeu. Of course, he isn’t alone in that.

We know Chelsea are just as keen on fortifying their squad with top young talent as Los Blancos. Both of these power clubs in Europe will also be fighting it out for the signature of Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who absolutely has the potential to be world-class. He is already one of the best midfielders in the French top flight.

The allure of Real Madrid could swing Wesley Fofana’s decision

Fofana, likewise, has world-class potential at center back, which is a position of increasing value due to the scarcity of truly great center backs. France is producing some gems, however, and Fofana is very much someone to track.

Chelsea have financial power that Real Madrid cannot beat. They also have the advantage of being in a higher-revenue league. Furthermore, the Blues knocked the Whites out of the Champions League last season, en route to winning the whole tournament under Thomas Tuchel.

Yet the prestige and the allure of the Bernabeu remain strong, especially with rising superstars like Vinicius Junior in the side. And then there is Kylian Mbappe, who is almost a lock to join the club with the world’s most extensive fanbase. The future project in Madrid remains strong and undeniably appealing.

Fofana is another major transfer battle to watch next summer, along with Erling Haaland and Tchouameni. Real Madrid want to sign top young talent everywhere in the squad – not just in the attack – both to fortify their depth, add more pieces for a Champions League run in the near future, and set the sporting project for another period of dominance in the 2020’s decade.