Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly interested in signing Spanish defensive prospect Rafa Marin from Real Madrid.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Rafa Marin might leave Real Madrid as a free agent in the summer transfer window. And the Spanish defensive prospect has no shortage of big-name suitors, with Chelsea and PSG keen on signing him.
Rafa Marin spent most of his formative years with three Spanish clubs, including Sevilla, before landing at Real Madrid. The young Spaniard joined Los Blancos half a dozen years ago. And the 20-year-old has made considerable progress at La Fabrica since then.
The Spanish defensive prospect is yet to make his first-team debut for Real Madrid. But he has featured regularly for the reserve side in the past year. Marin has turned out 44 times for Real Madrid Castilla, chipping in with three goals. And the player’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea will need to lay down a succession plan for Thiago Silva, with the Brazilian defender well into his thirties. In addition, Kalidou Koulibaly is on the wrong side of 30, thus leaving Graham Potter with Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana as the only long-term central defensive options.
Several centre-backs have thus emerged on Chelsea’s radar, with Josko Gvardiol being their top target. And Rafa Marin is also an option worth considering for the west London club. But Chelsea will need to fend off stiff competition from PSG to land the Real Madrid defensive prospect.
Like Chelsea, PSG will likely see one veteran defender leaving in the near future, with former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos in the twilight of his career. So the interest in Marin makes a world of sense. And signing the 20-year-old is a Bosman move will give PSG another opportunity to strike a cruel blow to bitter rival Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid will hope to tie Marin to a long-term contract in the coming weeks and months. But the Spanish defensive prospect will be able to open talks with Chelsea, PSG and other foreign clubs over a pre-contract agreement. So it will be interesting to see where he plies his trade next season.
