According to the Spanish press, Chelsea have become partners to sign Alvaro Odriozola from Real Madrid and have made inquiries for the defender.
Odriozola was on loan at Fiorentina for the 2021-22 season but has barely played since returning to Madrid. This season, he has only played three times in La Liga, twice in the Copa del Rey and once in the Club World Cup.
Only one of those six appearances has been a debut, showing how underrated he may have been by his host club. Now, it looks like it will be pushed for a summer release. According to Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea have contacted Odriozola's case. At right-back, he can cover Reece James.
However, Chelsea is not the only candidate for the position of 4 people wearing the Spain national team shirt. Real Sociedad, the club where he started his career, is keen to bring him back.
Furthermore, Odriozola has told Real Madrid that he would welcome Anoeta's return. The problem is that La Real just want to re-sign him for free while Madrid still have him under contract for another year.
Los Blancos still want to receive the transfer fee for Odriozola so it may have to consider other options for its next move.
More competition appeared for Odriozola
As well as Chelsea, the Athletic Club has received interest. It would be a controversial move when Bilbao are Basque rivals Real Sociedad.
Like Chelsea, Athletic Club will not participate in any UEFA competitions next season. On the other hand, Real Sociedad will represent Spain in the Champions League, just like Real Madrid.
So the Blues will probably have to work very hard to convince Odriozola to come to the Premier League for the first time in his career.
The 27-year-old has marked La Liga, Serie A and Bundesliga as the top leagues he has played in thanks to his spells with Real Madrid, Real Sociedad, Fiorentina and Bayern Munich.
Chelsea could offer him a new opportunity in England. It is not yet known how much they will be willing to pay for the right-back, nor what Madrid's true asking price is. The sides could face a game of waiting as Carlo Ancelotti's men focus on other issues, such as buying a striker to replace Karim Benzema.
But Odriozola's situation will require some clarity this summer, so pursuers like Chelsea will be on high alert for any developments.
At right-back, Chelsea will welcome Malo Gusto after buying him in January but leaving him on loan at Lyon. Cesar Azpilicueta is also staying at the club for the time being.
James is the main pick in the position, but has struggled with a number of injury problems. As a result, Chelsea will assess who they can trust in Mauricio Pochettino's first season in charge.
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