Chelsea recently asked about Real Madrid defender Alvaro Odriozola, whose stint at the Santiago Bernabeu is close to ending.
According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Alvaro Odriozola is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues have asked about the Spanish defender, who cost Real Madrid €32 million in 2018. But the player wants to rejoin Real Sociedad in the summer transfer window.
Alvaro Odriozola has seen his career come to a grinding halt since joining Real Madrid from Real Sociedad in a deal worth €32 million in July 2018. The 27-year-old was one of the best young full-backs in his homeland when he moved to the Santiago Bernabeu. But apart from a few bright moments, he has not had much to write home about.
Loan spells at Bayern Munich and Fiorentina did not do much to bolster Odriozola’s reputation either. And the Spaniard managed only 94 minutes of game time across six appearances for Real Madrid this past season. So the player’s stint with Real Madrid will likely end this summer, with Chelsea emerging as a potential destination.
Chelsea’s interest in the Spanish international is surprising. The Blues have already signed one right-back this year. And Malo Gusto will join the Chelsea first team when the pre-season campaign begins next month. So it is unclear how the Real Madrid defender will fit into the scheme of things at Stamford Bridge.
But recent reports have linked Reece James with a move to Real Madrid. And with the Englishman keen on joining Los Blancos, the Blues need to keep their options open. With Gusto likely being a long-term right-back solution, drafting Odriozola in as the Frenchman’s backup will be a sensible decision by Chelsea.
The Spaniard’s contract with Real Madrid will expire in a little over 12 months. So Los Blancos cannot recoup anything close to €32 million they paid to sign him. But Chelsea will face stiff competition from Real Sociedad and Athletic Club while pursuing the 27-year-old. For now, they have asked about Odriozola’s situation, although it is unclear who they contacted.
Meanwhile, the Spanish international is ready to leave Real Madrid and wants to rejoin Real Sociedad. Odriozola’s stint with Real Madrid is winding down, and it will be interesting to see if he moves to Chelsea or remains in Spain.