Chelsea to battle Real Madrid and Manchester City for 23-year-old Serie A star: Reports
Chelsea are reportedly prepared to contend with LaLiga champions Real Madrid and Premier League champions Manchester City for the signing of Italian midfielder Samuele Ricci. The Torino star has emerged as one of the shining lights in the Serie A this season, leading to interest from clubs around Europe.
Chelsea are consistently looking to make moves to strengthen their squad in the transfer market, spending over a billion pounds since the Clearlake Group arrived in 2022. The Blues have spent heavily on their midfield in this time, signing the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Romeo Lavia.
Italy international Ricci has enjoyed a brilliant season with his Turin-based club and has caught the attention of Chelsea, as per Caught Offside. The 23-year-old midfielder is also on the radar of Manchester City and Real Madrid, as well as Inter Milan, as per the report.
A defensive midfielder by trade, Ricci is considered by some to be the perfect solution to the Blues' midfield conundrum with Enzo Fernandez. They spent around £106 million to sign the Argentina international but he has failed to settle properly into English football thus far.
Samuele Ricci will be available for a fraction of the cost incurred by the Blues in signing Fernandez in January 2023, owing to his contract situation at Torino. The club will reportedly be willing to accept offers of around €40 million for the midfielder, who has shown no inclination to extend his contract beyond its 2026 expiry.
Real Madrid are also interested in Ricci as they look to strengthen their midfield after a disappointing start to the season. Manchester City, likewise, are looking to sign a replacement for Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, who ruptured his ACL earlier this season.
Real Madrid interested in struggling Chelsea star - Reports
Spanish giants Real Madrid are reportedly interested in a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez as they look to revamp their midfield. Journalist Sacha Tavolieri has pointed out that Los Blancos want the Argentina international, who has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea splashed a then-club record £106 million to sign Fernandez on the back of a scintillating run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup which earned him the Young Player of the Tournament award.
The former Benfica man appears to be struggling with the pace of English football, leading him to lose his place in the starting XI under Enzo Maresca.
Real Madrid view Fernandez as an ideal replacement for Toni Kroos, who retired in the summer, and are looking to bring him in. Only 23, the midfielder could be interested in a move to Spain, particularly if he does not regain his starting berth soon.