Real Madrid have reportedly opened talks with 28-year-old Italian left-back Leonardo Spinazzola, who is also a target for Chelsea.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Real Madrid seem to have stepped up their efforts to sign Leonardo Spinazzola in the summer transfer window. The Spanish giants have begun discussions with the AS Roma defender’s agent Davide Lippi, with Chelsea also keen on signing him.
Leonardo Spinazzola has seen his stock skyrocket in the wake of what has been a brilliant UEFA Euro 2020 campaign. However, his participation in the tournament seems to have been cut short by what seemed like a gruesome injury to his achilles tendon during Italy’s quarter-final tie with Belgium.
Nevertheless, as things stand, the 28-year-old has done more than enough to attract some of the biggest clubs in the world, with Real Madrid and Chelsea among the clubs keen on signing him in the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid’s continued interest in Spinazzola is quite surprising in the wake of news that Carlo Ancelotti is unwilling to let Marcelo leave this summer. In fact, the Brazilian defender is set to become the new club captain for Real Madrid following the departure of Sergio Ramos.
With Ferland Mendy also going strong on the left side of their defence, it is difficult to envision how Ancelotti would fit Spinazzola in his side. Nonetheless, it looks like Real Madrid are pressing ahead with their interest in the Italian international, having initiated contact with his agent Davide Lippi. On the other hand, Chelsea have a more straightforward reason to pursue Spinazzola.
The Blues are expected to offload Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso in the summer transfer window, which leaves Ben Chilwell as the only natural option for the left wing-back slot. To that end, it is a prudent move to make a move for Spinazzola, with Chelsea even ready to include Emerson in the deal to sign him from AS Roma.
Apart from Real Madrid and Chelsea, Barcelona have also been linked with Spinazzola, although it remains to be seen if things change for prospective suitors due to the seemingly long-term injury he has sustained this week.
For now, Real Madrid and Chelsea seem to be seriously pursuing a move for Spinazzola and it will be interesting to see if they launch the offensive for him anytime soon or if they wait to get a clearer picture on the duration for which he remains sidelined.