Chelsea have requested a meeting with Real Madrid defender Eder Militao to discuss a potential move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
That’s according to Marca, who say the Blues are one of several sides to have ‘called the centre-back’ to discuss his future in Spain.
Militao has enjoyed a drastic turnaround in his fortunes at the Bernabeu this season, taking advantage of injuries in defence to establish himself among the first-choice players for Carlo Ancelotti.
Real Madrid are keen to get him signed to a deal, despite the fact his current contract expires in 2025, and there are plans to hold talks before the summer.
He currently earns €3.5m a year, more than any defender has ever earned at the club, but there is an agreement that is no longer ‘adequate’ and needs to be improved given the performances and numbers he has been posting.
Those numbers have ‘attracted the attention of half of Europe’, and Chelsea are among those who are keen on him.
They face the prospect of rebuilding their defence this summer with Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta all out of contract.
Among those suitors, Chelsea are the ones ‘who are insisting the most’ and have ‘asked for a meeting’ with the defender. That’s been granted and ‘will take place’ in the near future.
They’ll have to do some work to convince him as Militao has made it clear his priority is Real Madrid.
He’s happy in the city, delighted to be working under Carlo Ancelotti and would prefer not to move clubs in a World Cup year.
It’s up to Chelsea to change his mind, then, but with a meeting scheduled, they’ll at least get their chance to put their argument across.
