Rafa Marin does not want to leave Real Madrid anytime soon amid interest from several bigwigs, including Chelsea.
According to a report by AS, as relayed by Madrid Xtra, Rafa Marin is prioritising signing a new contract with Real Madrid. And the update has come as a blow for Chelsea, who will have to look elsewhere for a defensive reinforcement.
Rafa passed through the academies at Alcolea, Centro Historico, and Sevilla before landing at Real Madrid. The 20-year-old has risen through the ranks in La Fabrica, becoming a pivotal figure for Real Madrid Castilla in the past year. But he is yet to make his first-team debut for Los Blancos.
The Spanish defender has enjoyed a solid 2022/23 campaign with Real Madrid Castilla, turning out 16 times while chipping in with two goals. But Marin has entered the final 18 months of his Real Madrid contract, with the situation capturing the attention of Chelsea.
Chelsea will likely enter the market for a defensive reinforcement in the summer transfer window. That is despite signing three centre-backs in the last twelve months. They have brought in Benoit Badiashile from AS Monaco this month while securing the services of Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana in the summer.
But Koulibaly has been unimpressive for the most part, while Fofana has struggled with injuries. In addition, Thiago Silva is in the twilight of his storied career. So Chelsea will need to lay down a succession plan for the veteran Brazilian defender. Marin had thus emerged as a top target for Chelsea.
The Spaniard is only 20 years old and can provide over a decade of top-class performances. But Chelsea will have to look elsewhere as the youngster wants to remain at Real Madrid for the foreseeable future. The report (h/t Madrid Xtra) claims that Marin is prioritising signing a new deal with Los Blancos.
With Real Madrid also in the market for a central defender, renewing terms with Marin might be the way forward. As for Chelsea, it will be interesting to see who they set their sights on after the snub from the Real Madrid defender.
