Chelsea are the one club most eager to sign Real Madrid defender Eder Militao who may be looking for a pay rise soon, according to Spanish outlet Marca.
The 24-year-old signed for Real Madrid from Porto in 2019 and reportedly became the club’s most expensive defensive signing at €50million (£41.6million).
Marca claims that Militao, who is under contract with Real Madrid until 2025, is on a €3.5m (£2.9m) net annual salary or €4m (£3.3m)-a-year including bonuses.
Both the player and the club are reportedly agreed that the figure does not reflect what he offers to the club any more with a new deal likely on the club’s agenda.
The report, however, added that there has been no official conversation for a possible extension, only small talks in the last few months.
A number of other top European clubs, including Chelsea, are said to be ready to pounce on any opportunity to sign the Brazil international.
The Blues, in particular, are the ones “insisting the most”, according to Marca.
They have reportedly requested a meeting with the defender, and it will take place in the near future.
Although, at the moment, Militao is said to be happy in Madrid and prefers not to move during a World Cup year.
Chelsea may be in the market for several defenders this summer
It is pretty easy to see why the west London club might have made an early move as the report suggested.
They are currently at risk of losing a few key defenders; Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, and Cesar Azpilicueta, whose contracts expire at the end of the season.
Thomas Tuchel recently described the situation as “not ideal”.
Marca highlighted how Militao is currently leading the charts in duels won in Europe’s top five leagues which arguably makes him a suitable replacement for Rudiger, who is also known for being an aggressive defender.
Chelsea have also been linked with Sevilla star Jules Kounde who could be a long-term replacement for Azpilicueta.
They may still keep these soon-to-be out of contract defenders, but preparing for Plan B is certainly a sensible move.
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