Chelsea show considerable interest in one of Real Madrid’s young stars
By Ben Sundock
Thomas Tuchel is facing a potential crisis at Chelsea.
Three veteran defenders – Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, and Cesar Azpilicueta – are set to see their respective contracts with the club expire this summer.
Rudiger, especially, has been linked with a move away from London with the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United showing interest over the last several months.
Christensen, 25, and Azpilicueta, 32, are still regulars under Tuchel, but the defending Champions League winners are looking for suitable replacements should on be needed.
The manager has reportedly targeted Real Madrid stalwart Eder Militao as priority number one.
Militao, 24, has become a regular in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI after the departures of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane over the summer. Alongside new arrival David Alaba, Militao has – in 30 appearances across four competitions – asserted himself as the center back for the future in Madrid.
Eder Militao will likely extend with Real Madrid, getting a raise in the process
He was a rotation player for his first two seasons with the club, slotting in only when Ramos or Varane was unavailable, but he has quickly become the first-choice defender next to Alaba since. Nacho Fernandez now occupies that rotation role vacated by Eder.
As is the case with Vinicius Junior’s current contract with Real Madrid, Militao sits near the bottom of the squad when it comes to annual salary despite being a key figure. That has been recognized by the Real Madrid board and they are working to bump up Eder Militao’s 2.5 million pounds a year salary.
Given the circumstances surrounding Chelsea’s current situation, Tuchel will need to act quickly. Rudiger will, in all likelihood, walk in the summer. I cannot say with any confidence what will happen with Christensen or Azpilicueta.
Militao seems happy with the current situation at Real Madrid and Ancelotti has put a lot of faith into the Brazilian international in a short period of time. His presence on the defensive line has been instrumental in Real Madrid securing top spot in La Liga and winning the Supercopa de Espana.
Seeing as Real Madrid has little depth at center back behind Militao and Alaba – Nacho and Jesus Vallejo are the only first-team center backs in the squad right now – it would be a mistake to sell him now.
Next. Real Madrid scout Juni Calafat wants this young midfielder. dark
Don’t be surprised to see this interest from Chelsea expedite the contract negotiations between Eder Militao and the board. He will be a Real Madrid player for many years to come!