Chelsea will reportedly track the progress of 20-year-old Spanish midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza at Atletico Madrid in the coming months.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Rodrigo Mendoza is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder in the near future. So, the 20-year-old Atletico Madrid prospect has emerged as a target for the West London club.
The latest report has suggested that Chelsea will closely monitor the Spaniard’s progress at Atletico Madrid after joining Los Rojiblancos from Elche in a deal worth €16 million in the winter transfer window. The 2024/25 FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Europa Conference League winners “believe the midfielder fits the profile they’re looking for to rejuvenate their squad” in the long run.
Who is Rodrigo Mendoza?
Rodrigo Mendoza is the latest promising prospect to rise in prominence in his homeland and join a high-profile La Liga club. A native of Murcia, the Spaniard spent his formative years in his homeland, passing through the academies at four clubs and graduating from the youth division at Elche CF. The 20-year-old broke into the first-team squad at Elche CF early in the 2022/23 season, and he has made significant progress since then.
The Spanish midfield prospect made over 50 appearances for Elche while chipping in with six goals and three assists. Meanwhile, Mendoza’s progress has not gone unnoticed, and he has joined Atletico Madrid in a deal worth €16 million this month. However, that has not compelled his other prospective suitors to look elsewhere, with Chelsea tracking his progress at Estadio Metropolitano.
London calling?
Chelsea’s interest in Rodrigo Mendoza is understandable. Liam Rosenior has a stacked midfield unit, with Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez two of the world’s best midfielders. Additionally, Andrey Santos, Romeo Lavia, and Dario Essugo are top-notch backup options. However, Lavia and Essugo have struggled with fitness issues this season.
Several candidates, including Nico Paz, have thus emerged on Chelsea’s wishlist, with Mendoza also a viable target. The latest report has revealed that the West London club will closely monitor the 20-year-old Spaniard’s progress at Atletico Madrid in the coming months.
The Blues “believe the midfielder fits the profile they’re looking for to rejuvenate their squad” in the long run. Meanwhile, other high-profile clubs have also been keen on signing the Spanish midfield sensation for a long time, and it will be interesting to see if they are still interested in the youngster.
