Chelsea make contact to sign underappreciated Real Madrid star who’s told club what transfer outcome he wants

Chelsea have emerged as contenders for the signature of Alvaro Odriozola from Real Madrid and have made an enquiry for the defender, according to reports in Spain.

Odriozola enjoyed a useful loan spell with Fiorentina in the 2021-22 season, but has barely featured since his return to Madrid. This season, he 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 was a start, showing how he has perhaps been undervalued by his parent club. Now, it is looking likely that he will push for an exit this summer.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea have made contact about Odriozola’s situation. As a right-back, he could provide cover for Reece James.

However, Chelsea are not the only suitors for the man with four caps for Spain. Real Sociedad, the club where he began his career, are keen to take him back.

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Furthermore, Odriozola has already told Real Madrid that he would favour a return to the Anoeta. The problem is that La Real only want to re-sign him for free, while Madrid still have him under contract for another year.

Los Blancos will still want to receive a transfer fee for Odriozola, who may therefore have to consider some other options for his next step.

More competition emerges for Odriozola

In addition to Chelsea, interest has emerged from Athletic Club. It would be a controversial move, since the Bilbao outfit are Real Sociedad’s Basque rivals.

Like Chelsea, Athletic Club will not be in any UEFA competition next season. In contrast, Real Sociedad will be representing Spain in the Champions League, just like Real Madrid.

Therefore, the Blues might have to work hard to convince Odriozola to come to the Premier League for the first time in his career.

The 27-year-old has already ticked off La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga as top leagues he has competed 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 clear how much they would be willing to pay for the right-back, nor what Madrid’s asking price actually is.

All parties could be facing a waiting game while Carlo Ancelotti’s side focus on other issues, such as buying a striker to replace Karim Benzema.

But the Odriozola situation will require some clarity this summer, so suitors like Chelsea will be on alert for any developments.

At right-back, Chelsea will be welcoming Malo Gusto into the fold after buying him in January but leaving him on loan at Lyon. Cesar Azpilicueta also remains at the club for the time being.

James is the main choice in the position, but has struggled with some injury issues. Therefore, Chelsea will be weighing up who they can rely on in the role for Mauricio Pochettino’s first season in charge.