Real Madrid reduce asking price for “special” attacking star amid interest from Chelsea

Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz, Gonzalo Garcia and Rodrygo. (REUTERS/Albert Gea)

Chelsea’s season continues to be a rollercoaster.

One week, Enzo Maresca’s side are sweeping aside Premier League champions Liverpool; a few weeks later, they’re slipping to defeat against Sunderland.

In Europe, the pattern is much the same — a 5-1 thrashing of Ajax in the Champions League followed by a frustrating draw against Qarabag.

Still, compared to the inconsistency of last season, Chelsea are showing progress. Maresca’s team is beginning to look like a more cohesive, fluid unit — and yet, the Italian coach is far from satisfied.

Reinforcements remain a priority, particularly in attack, where Chelsea are once again being linked with a marquee name.

According to a report from Defensa Central via Fichajes, Chelsea are among several clubs monitoring the situation of Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, with the Spanish giants reportedly slashing their asking price to encourage offers.

Just last year, Los Blancos were said to value the Brazilian at around £80–90 million, but that figure has now dropped to roughly £45–50 million, signalling a potential willingness to sell.

Rodrygo, 24, joined Real Madrid from Santos in 2019 and has since amassed more than 280 appearances, contributing 68 goals and 53 assists.

Former coach Carlo Ancelotti once described him as a “special” talent — but under Xabi Alonso, the forward has slipped down the pecking order, starting only two La Liga matches so far this season.

Chelsea are said to be keeping a close eye on developments, with reports suggesting that an offer in the region of £45 million could be enough to tempt Real into a deal.

For Blues fans, the idea of Rodrygo lining up alongside wonderkid Estevão Willian on the flanks is a tantalising one — a blend of pace, flair, and creativity that could define the next generation at Stamford Bridge.

Whether Maresca can make it happen, though, remains to be seen.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.