Chelsea have been informed that a Real Madrid superstar could now be tempted to join them.
Chelsea light in areas with transfer work still to be done
Enzo Maresca’s side edged past League One minnows Lincoln City by the skin of their teeth on Tuesday night, despite fielding a largely strong side including a host of senior stars.
Rob Street’s deserved Lincoln opener just before half-time threatened to knock Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup in very early and humbling fashion, but Maresca was rescued by an excellent strike from Tyrique George and a second goal from summer signing Facundo Buonanotte just minutes later.
The 2-1 win was a nervy one, and it perhaps encapsulates why Chelsea are far from the end product, even after a busy summer transfer window.
Cole Palmer’s reoccurring groin problem is a major worry for Chelsea given just how reliant they currently are on the England star’s undoubted match-winning quality, with their botched deal for attacking midfield alternative Xavi Simons threatening to haunt Maresca.
Some reports are claiming that a new problem in that same groin for Palmer means that he faces several weeks out (Simon Phillips), and you can make a case that Bunonanottte isn’t at the level required to replace the ex-Man City star on a regular basis.
Lincoln City (A) – EFL Cup
Brighton (H) – Premier League
Benfica (H) – Champions League
Liverpool (H) – Premier League
Nottingham Forest (A) – Premier League
Ajax (H) – Champions League
Sunderland (H) – Premier League
Tottenham (A) – Premier League
Maresca also wanted a new goalkeeper and centre-back in the summer window (Simon Phillips), amid doubts surrounding the suitability of Robert Sanchez as number one, which were made all the more prevalent by his sending off against Man United last weekend.
Chelsea are expected to go back in for Mike Maignan on a potential pre-contract after failing to strike a deal in the summer, while the Blues are also actively looking at central defensive options.
Maresca is light in that area right now, with the Italian complaining that he’s unable to rest key defenders. The consensus is that they also need to bring in a world-class, experienced centre-half to stable the ship, if Chelsea are serious about challenging for the Premier League title.
Chelsea informed Vinícius Jr could be open to Stamford Bridge move
Even with their glaring defensive needs, journalist Graeme Bailey has now told TBR Football that an audacious move for Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Jr is on the cards for 2026.
The Brazil international kissed Real’s badge after his goal in their 4-1 La Liga win over Levante on Tuesday, but behind-closed-doors, things are proving far more complicated.
There is apparent “frustration” aimed at Alonso over Vinicius’ role in the squad, and talks over a new deal have stalled due to extortionate wage demands as his contract ticks down towards expiry in 2027.
Real have apparently been clear to the 25-year-old – agree a new contract by next summer or be sold.
According to Bailey, Chelsea have been informed that Vinicius could be open to a Premier League move if they give him the opportunity, and sources are “insisting” that the winger’s exit is indeed a possibility.
“Florentino Perez loves Vinicius Junior but there are concerns within the club about whether he is going to sign this new deal,” Bailey said.
“It is hard to imagine Vinicius not being at Madrid but sources are insisting this possibility.
“The coming months are going to be intriguing but the basic point is that Real won’t allow him to go into the final 12 months of his deal and potentially look at a free transfer.”
He has commanded a mammoth price tag in recent years, but by the time next summer rolls around, Vinicius will have just one year remaining on his deal. That would put Perez in a very vulnerable position, and the Los Blancos chief could be forced to sell for a lesser fee.
In terms of whether Chelsea should capitalise on this, Vinicius is one of those special players you build a team around, and the South American could help to ease the burden on Palmer’s shoulders as Maresca’s standout creative force.
Of course, Chelsea would face major competition, with Arsenal, PSG, Bayern and Liverpool named as other suitors, so it would still be far from easy.