Chelsea are allegedly planning an audacious attempt to sign one of Real Madrid's star attackers during the summer transfer window.
The Blues currently have a fight on their hands to secure Champions League football, and European qualification in general, for 2025-26.
Despite the Premier League earning a fifth spot at the top-tier of continental football for next season, Chelsea remain just six points clear of ninth position in the standings.
Given their well-documented issues with the Premier League's and UEFA's financial regulations, the West Londoners may not be in a position to spend freely when the market reopens in June.
Nevertheless, as per Fichajes, there is a plan on the table to make an ambitious attempt to sign Rodrygo Goes from Real Madrid.
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Chelsea prepared to pay astronomical fee?
The report alleges that co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are willing to propose a €120m (£103.2m) deal to their Los Blancos counterparts.
Rodrygo started Real Madrid's shock 3-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal on Tuesday night, a result that leaves the Spanish giants as outsiders to reach the Champions League semi-finals.
Nevertheless, the Brazil international has had a relatively disappointing campaign by his own high standards, contributing 11 goals and seven assists from his 38 appearances in La Liga and Europe.
Furthermore, Rodrygo has not scored a goal since March 4 and has provided just one notable assist since the beginning of February.
While that does not necessarily put his future at Real in doubt, his place in the starting lineup is no longer guaranteed when Carlo Ancelotti is sometimes using the 24-year-old as a right-midfielder rather than in the final third.
There are currently three years remaining on his contract, and Rodrygo has previously expressed an interest to spend the bulk of his career at the club.
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Out of Chelsea's reach?
Champions League football is a necessity if Chelsea are to enter the conversation to sign of Rodrygo's calibre, yet it will only make sense if they are able to facilitate a number of sales.
Given the money involved, Chelsea would realistically need to sell the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix, and find a permanent home for high-earner Raheem Sterling, if Rodrygo was to become an option.
That said, Estevao Willian is already due to arrive at Stamford Bridge to complement the already-existing options for the number-10 role and flanks.
Darren Plant
