Real Madrid News
Chelsea remain interested in €150 million Real Madrid target, bid not ruled out
Last month, Chelsea acted swiftly to beat Real Madrid and Manchester City to the signing of Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
The World Cup winner was on the radars of both Real and Manchester City, but the two clubs wanted to sign him for the summer. And, Chelsea decided not to give their rivals a chance at the move by swooping in for him in January itself.
While the Blues strengthened their midfield unit with Fernandez’s signing, Matt Law of The Telegraph reports that they continue to remain interested in the services of another Real Madrid target in Jude Bellingham.
The 19-year-old is one of the most coveted young midfielders on the planet currently, with the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United all holding an interest in his services.
And, Chelsea too are among the England international’s admirers heading into the summer.
As per the report, the club’s analysis last month placed Bellingham as one of the two top midfielders likely to be on the market in the summer, along with Fernandez. They acted swiftly to sign the latter, and they now remain interested in the former.
The report indicates that Chelsea making a bid for Bellingham is not ruled out as of yet. However, they are aware that they are not among the favourites to sign the Borussia Dortmund star for next season.
Real Madrid, for their part, have held a long-standing interest in Bellingham and have been laying the groundwork for a deal for a while now.
Reports suggest that they have had positive talks with the midfielder and his entourage. However, the Merengues are reluctant to shell out the €150 million that Borussia Dortmund will demand for him.
It leaves the race for Bellingham wide open as clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City have the financial clout to meet the €150 million demands while they can also offer him a much more lucrative contract as well.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
