Thomas Tuchel Asks Chelsea To Sign Real Madrid’s $68M Young Star In Summer: Report

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid center-back Eder Militao ahead of the 2022 summer transfer window.

Thomas Tuchel has requested Chelsea’s management to secure Militao in the summer, reported Spanish publication AS Diario.

The 24-year-old Militao is contracted with Real Madrid until 2025 and has a current market value of $68 million, according to Transfermarkt.

Many of Chelsea’s defenders are set to be out of contract at the end of the 2021-22 season, including Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen. Rudiger, who has rejected numerous extensions from Chelsea, could be on his way out to join Real Madrid.

Chelsea captain Azpi, on the other hand, has been reported to have agreed to terms with FC Barcelona over a free transfer in the summer.

Following the departures of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, Militao has formed a fine relationship with David Alaba at Los Blancos’ backline. The duo has played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s impressive run in the ongoing campaign. Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid are four points clear of the second-placed Sevilla in the La Liga table. Militao has made 30 competitive appearances for the Madrid side this term.

Real Madrid signed Militao at $55 million from Porto in the summer of 2019 on a six-year contract. However, the Brazilian defender is one of the club's lowest earners with a salary of $3.4 million a year, according to Marca.com. If Chelsea offer him a deal with better wages, Militao could consider a move to Premier League.

Militao started his professional soccer career with his home club, Sao Paulo. He joined their youth set up in 2010 but made his senior debut only in 2017.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s other option is Sevilla defender Jules Kounde. The Stamford Bridge side made several attempts to sign the French center-back last summer but all their moves went in vain.

However, it was previously reported that Kounde had agreed to join Liverpool.

Chelsea are currently third in the 2021-22 Premier League table, 10 points behind leaders Manchester City.