Chelsea have not been known to sign high-profile players since BlueCo took over. The biggest signing that they have made so far is probably Raheem Sterling, and we all know how that played out. It is also worth noting that that was in their first transfer window after the change in ownership. A transfer model was not in place back then. Lately, the Blues have solely focused on bringing youngsters to Stamford Bridge, largely overlooking the need for proven quality and experience.
That has not stopped the club from being linked with some superstars. Vinicius Junior is someone whose name has been doing the rounds of the Chelsea transfer rumour mill for a while. But do the Blues have a realistic chance of signing him? Is he even looking to leave Real Madrid?
Vinicius has been a key figure for Real Madrid for quite some time. He was integral to two of their Champions League triumphs. But the Brazilian’s importance to the team seems to have decreased a bit since the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.
On the other hand, Vinicius has not agreed on a contract extension with Real Madrid either. Naturally, that has led to speculation about an exit. Chelsea are one of the clubs being linked with the Brazilian winger. Now, there is an update on his situation.
Fabrizio Romano drops update on Vinicius’ situation at Real Madrid
Fabrizio Romano recently spoke about Vinicius’ status at Real Madrid on his YouTube channel. The Italian journalist said:
“But the other breaking news of the day is coming from Madrid because Vinicius Jr. in press conference ahead of Manchester City game says, ‘I will sign a new contract at Real Madrid at the right time,’ but confirming a story I’ve always been telling you here on YouTube. I have said Vinicius, an excellent relationship with Florentino Perez, so Vinicius clearly says that the confidence of the president is there and he said that in press conference. So there is a fantastic feedback.
“Florentino Perez, even when Vinicius was in a difficult situation, even when from Saudi they were calling people close to Vinicius, even when Xabi Alonso was not playing Vinicius on a regular basis and Vinicius was not happy clearly, even in that moment, Florentino always be there, ‘don’t worry,’ and telling Vinicius that his future was going to be at Real Madrid. So this connection, Florentino-Vinicius, is too strong. The negotiations are continuing, but I always told you the contract remains on the table for Vinicius Jr. to sign and Florentino Perez is the key factor here. Now Vinicius goes public and says: ‘Real Madrid is the club of my dreams, I want to stay at Real Madrid for a long time and I will sign a new contract at the right moment.’ So I think the direction of this story is very clear.”
So, it feels like that is that, when it comes to the Vinicius rumours. It is highly likely that he will leave Real Madrid, and even if it happens, Chelsea would have a hard time convincing him to come to Stamford Bridge after what we have seen in the four years of BlueCo’s ownership.
Chelsea need to sign top players like Vinicius
Chelsea have invested heavily in youth in recent years. That being said, they need to sign some top players. While Vinicius might not be a viable option, there are others out there who could be.
In the past, when Chelsea have been successful, they have had a core of proven, world-class players. Think of players like Frank Lampard, John Terry, Didier Drogba, Petr Cech, Ashley Cole, Claude Makelele, Michael Ballack, and plenty of others.
How many of Chelsea’s current crop of players fall under that bracket? Perhaps only Cole Palmer, Reece James and Moises Caicedo, when at their best. Estevao has the talent to get there, but it is not quite at that level just yet.
If Chelsea want to be successful at the highest level, they need a few more world-class players. It is wonderful that they are hoping to develop some of their youngsters. But at the same time, winning right now is important for the club as well. Otherwise, they won’t be viewed as one of English football’s best for much longer. So, they need to go out this summer and add a few top talents to their squad.
