Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza, the Spanish newspaper reports Transfers.
The 20-year-old started his youth career at EF Altorreal before joining EF San Miguel. He signed with Renero FC in 2017 and after spending two years there, he joined Los Franjiverdes’ academy.
Mendoza made his first-team debut for Elche in 2022 before featuring regularly in recent years. He helped his side to promotion last season before showing glimpses of his qualities in La Liga this season, scoring three goals in all competitions so far.
After being impressed by the youngster’s recent eye-catching performances, Los Rojiblancos have decided to secure his services during the winter transfer window.
However, Transfers states that Chelsea had been closely monitoring his development before his move to the Estadio Metropolitano and were planning to sign the Spaniard next summer.
Although Atletico Madrid have signed him, the Blues remain interested in him and will keep a close eye on his performances before making a potential leap.
Diego Simeone’s side are aware of Chelsea’s interest in Mendoza and are in no rush to sell him as his existing deal runs until 2031. If Spain’s U21 international continues to put in impressive performances in the Spanish capital, his price will rise.
Mendoza to Chelsea
Mendoza is a natural box-to-box midfielder, but is also comfortable in the number 10 position. He is a technically gifted player and can play threading passes between the lines.
Furthermore, he was valued at around £13 million by Transfer marketis efficient at dribbling past opposing defenders in tight areas, has an eye for long-distance passing and is also excellent in tight areas.
Mendoza is a very talented player and could be a smart signing for Chelsea if they sign him. With Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo still struggling with fitness problems, Liam Rosenior’s side could do with a new midfielder.
It will be interesting to see whether the west London club will ultimately make a concrete move to secure his services in the summer or next year.
Meanwhile, after being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Arsenal, Chelsea will take on bottom Premier League team Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend before taking on Leeds United in the competition next week.
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