Real Madrid reportedly face fresh competition from Chelsea in the race to sign one of Europe's most in-demand midfielders. The Premier League club's interest will be a concern given their owners have been spending heavily since taking over the Blues in May 2022.
According to Fichajes, Madrid have submitted an offer of around €50 million for AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit. The Dutch youngster is on the club's shortlist ahead of an expected summer rebuild.
Chelsea are the latest club to show interest in Smit who has been earning comparisons to Barcelona's Pedri. The west Londoners believe the 19-year-old would be a good fit in the youthful squad they continue to build at Stamford Bridge.
Real Madrid's Smit offer falls short amid Chelsea interest
It's claimed that Chelsea are aware of Madrid's bid for Smit but that hasn't dissuaded them from plotting their own move for the midfield starlet. They are ready to "push the financial limits" to convince AZ Alkmaar to change the situation.
Alkmaar are expecting to lose their star man this summer and want to secure a financial package that will be historic for the Dutch club. While Los Blancos are leading the race for the youngster, the Premier League giants feel they can convince him to choose Stamford Bridge with the promise of regular game time.
While Madrid have reportedly made a bid for the player it seems to fall short of his club's valuation. They want €60m to part ways with their academy product.
Smit has been a mainstay in the Eredivisie side this season, appearing 31 times across competitions, scoring three goals and providing five assists. He can play multiple midfield positions and he is earning rave reviews for his ball-playing ability and energy in the middle of the park.
Real Madrid are now in a four-horse race
Madrid were already dealing with Premier League interest in Smit, dubbed "brilliant" by OneFootball, before Chelsea joined the pack. Liverpool and Arsenal have also been eyeing the Dutch midfielder who has two years left on his contract.
If Florentino Perez is eager to bring the Netherlands international to the Bernabeu he will have to compete with three of English football's heavyweights. A new midfielder is a priority for the Spanish giants given a clear lack of a creative prescence in midfield.
Smit isn't the only option for the La Liga club but might be the cheapest of their potential targets. Paris Saint-Germain's Vitinha is also of interest but he is likely to cost over €100m.