Chelsea have reportedly joined the race to sign Juan Quintero, who is also a summer target for Real Madrid.
According to a report by Spanish publication Don Balon, the competition to sign Juan Quintero is increasing by the day. Chelsea have now emerged as a suitor for the on-loan River Plate midfielder, who is also being tailed by Real Madrid for a move in the summer transfer window.
Quitero has continued the trend of breakout stars emerging at the FIFA World Cup, having created a talismanic presence in the Colombian National Team in Russia. The 25-year-old has played a key role in Los Cafeteros‘ campaign thus far, with Jose Pekerman’s side set to face England in the Round of 16.
At the club level though, Quintero has been a journeyman in a short career spanning six years, having played in five different countries already. The latest of his moves has taken him to Argentina, where he has established himself as a regular for River Plate on a loan deal from FC Porto.
However, his advent at the World Cup has piqued the interest of some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Real Madrid were the first to show some interest in Quintero, who is now also being courted by Chelsea.
At Real Madrid, Quintero’s rise a la James Rodriguez has not gone unnoticed, and the player could become the next World Cup breakout star after his compatriot and Keylor Navas to make his way to the Bernabeu. And, a player like him could be a viable target, with the likes of Mateo Kovacic and Marco Asensio linked with moves away from the club.
But, while Quintero could be a part of a major squad revamp at Real Madrid to begin the Julen Lopetegui era, Chelsea are only reported to make a few minor shakeups in attack.
At Stamford, Willian’s Chelsea future is under a cloud, with Manchester United and Barcelona showing interest. While Quintero will not exactly be a like-for-like replacement for the Brazilian, he is adept at playing on the right wing as well, as he has shown for the Colombian National Side, thus making him a viable target.
The major complication in Real Madrid and Chelsea’s pursuit of Quintero though, will be in regards to the seller. While FC Porto are his parent club for now, River Plate reserve the right to make his loan deal permanent.
If the player looks to join the big leagues with either Real Madrid or Chelsea, the Argentinian outfit could just decide to sign him permanently before selling him on a premium. Whichever way it happens, Quintero looks set for big things this summer, with clubs starting to take note of his talents.
It now remains to be seen if the 25-year-old becomes the next James Rodriguez at Real Madrid or if Chelsea snap him up instead. Chances are also high that other clubs might emerge as suitors, with the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Juventus also keeping an eye out for Quintero.
