Chelsea Transfer News: Blues set to lodge bid – Real Madrid could accept

Chelsea have reportedly set their sights on signing a Real Madrid player this January with a proposal that should appeal to the Spanish giants.

The Blues perennially seem to be in a state of flux, with another manager through the door in recent weeks in the shape of Liam Rosenior.

However, one thing that appears consistent at Stamford Bridge is their desire to sign young, promising players, with no shortage of incomings in west London over recent years, particularly since BlueCo’s takeover.

And recent reports have suggested an intriguing and ambitious deal could be in the offing – but one that could yet come to fruition.

According to Spanish news outlet Fichajes, Chelsea want to take 18-year-old Real Madrid winger Franco Mastantuono on loan this January.

It is claimed that the Blues are fans of the player’s qualities, despite a (rather understandably) understated debut campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu.

In a season that has seen Real Madrid also change their manager, Mastantuono was only gifted 10 starts across all competitions before Xabi Alonso’s departure, which isn’t too bad for a rookie at arguably the biggest club in the world.

But there are concerns that this lack of game time could stunt his development somewhat, warming those in Madrid to the idea that a loan could be beneficial.

It is also stated that playing away from the intense pressures of having to perform for Los Blancos could allow Mastantuono to flourish.

While the report makes clear that the environment at Chelsea would have to be seen as suitable for Real Madrid, it is also mentioned that they are understanding of Mastantuono’s need to play consistently, and are therefore ‘considering’ a temporary switch.

There does not appear to be a chance for Chelsea to take in the youngster on a permanent deal, which makes their interest in Mastantuono more surprising, even if they could offer him plenty of minutes over the next four months or so.

Chelsea already have an 18-year-old right-winger in Estevao, who has often played second fiddle to Pedro Neto, so it doesn’t look like there is a necessity for another wide player, let alone an unproven youngster on a short-term deal.

The cynical point of view could be that the hierarchy are looking for an exciting signing that will appease fans amid a season that has imploded, having failed to kick on from their Club World Cup triumph.

Alternatively, it is a potentially inspired choice to refresh the Chelsea attack with a player highly regarded by Real Madrid, which should, in theory, lower the risk of the move falling flat.

Graduated in Sport Journalism (BA) with first-class honours from the University of Brighton and has since had bylines in The Times, sports business publication SportsPro, Football FanCast and The Gooner fanzine.

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