Chelsea are now preparing a huge bid to sign a “world-class” forward, and he would be interested in a move to the Premier League.
Blues eyeing new forward amid managerial uncertainty
With Enzo Maresca leaving his post as manager after 18 months in charge, there is a great deal of uncertainty at Stamford Bridge at the moment, which isn’t ideal, heading into a tricky game against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this evening.
Callum McFarlane has been named as the interim boss, but a number of more experienced permanent replacements for Maresca have also been identified, including Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe, AFC Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Strasbourg’s Liam Rosenior.
Rosenior is among the main targets, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano making it clear BlueCo are looking to appoint a new manager very soon.
Although it remains unclear who will replace Maresca in the dugout, Chelsea are still working on new additions to the squad, and they have been in persistent contact over the signing of Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.
That is according to a report from Spain, which states the Blues are now preparing a club-record offer amounting to €150m (£131m) for the Madrid forward, who is interested in a move to the Premier League, and he has offered himself to the west London club.
The Brazilian is yet to put pen to paper on a new contract to extend his stay at the Spanish club, with negotiations now at a standstill, and with his current deal set to expire in 2027, Madrid now have a big decision to make.
“World-class” Vinicius could be statement signing for Chelsea
BlueCo have received heavy criticism for signing youngsters, rather than players with experience at the top level, with Jamie Carragher saying: “Chelsea should be title contenders and considered Champions League challengers this season. Instead, their hierarchy seems content to be praised for being the smartest recruiters in the business – the world’s richest development club.”
As such, the signing of Vinicius would be a major statement of intent, given that he has been one of Real Madrid’s top players for a number of years, finishing as runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
|
Vinicius Jr’s performance by season |
La Liga appearances |
Goal contributions |
|
2021-22 |
35 |
28 |
|
2022-23 |
33 |
20 |
|
2023-24 |
26 |
21 |
|
2024-25 |
30 |
21 |
|
2025-26 |
18 |
11 |
Jurgen Klopp has also made it clear he believes the Brazil international is a top-level winger, with the former Liverpool manager describing him as “world-class”.
Chelsea set sights on £130m Newcastle star amid ‘major’ Liam Rosenior concern
The incoming Strasbourg boss has a key issue to solve.
Vinicius Jr, who has 56 goal involvements to his name in 74 Champions League outings, is considered one of the best wingers in the world, and it is very exciting that Chelsea could make a huge offer to secure his services.