Chelsea are ‘weighing up’ a surprise move for Real Madrid youngster Rafa Marin, according to reports in Spain. Marin is one of the stars of the Real Madrid Castilla side but has yet to make his debut for Carlo Ancelotti’s first-team.
The 21-year-old is reportedly considering his future after Castilla failed to win promotion from the fourth tier of Spanish football. Marin alongside a couple of his team-mates are likely to leave the club this summer.
It is claimed in the Spanish media that the centre-back will ‘not lack proposals’ when the international transfer window opens on July 1. Marin has plenty of pedigree having joined Real Madrid’s academy from Sevilla aged 14 and gone on to play for Spain at U18 and U19 level.
A departure for the towering defender seems likely this summer. There is reportedly interest from the Premier League.
According to Spanish publication AS, Chelsea and Red Bull Leipzig are both monitoring the youngster’s situation. The report adds that Marin’s preference would be to remain with the Spanish giants but there is uncertainty over his contract.
Marin has one year remaining on his current deal but he has not yet been offered an extension. A new contract handed to senior defender Nacho Fernandez has reportedly further blocked Marin’s path into the first team.
Chelsea certainly do not lack defenders ahead of the arrival of new head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella were signed last summer as part of an eye-watering spending spree.
However, the Blues could be set to lose at least two experienced players in the position. Kalidou Koulibaly has already joined Al-Hilal after his ill-fated year at Stamford Bridge, while there remains uncertainty over the future of Thiago Silva.
The 38-year-old only signed a new deal in February, extending his stay in West London by a year. But there is reportedly set to be ‘contact’ from Saudi Arabia ahead of a potential switch, according to Chelsea transfer insider Simon Phillips.
Madrid starlet Marin could therefore be drafted in to add depth to Chelsea’s defensive options. The Blues have reportedly been keeping tabs on the Spaniard for a long time.
His addition would be part of a mini overhaul at Chelsea, with Pochettino set to significantly streamline his squad and sign a couple of upgrades in key positions that require addressing. Koulibaly and N’Golo Kante have already headed to clubs in Saudi Arabia, while goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and winger Hakim Ziyech could follow.
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