Chelsea are reportedly interested in raiding Real Madrid for their centre-back Eder Militao in the summer transfer window.
The Blues opted against making any additions to their squad in January, despite losing left-back Ben Chilwell to a season-ending injury. Thomas Tuchel is seemingly happy with the squad at his disposal and has set his sights on spending big in the next transfer window.
According to Diario AS, Chelsea are keen on Real Madrid’s Eder Militao, with manager Thomas Tuchel requesting the board to sign the defender before the 2022/23 season commences. The West Londoners intend to make an enquiry to Real for the Brazilian international at the end of the season, the report adds.
Militao, 24, has become a pivotal figure at the back for Real Madrid this season following the departures of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane last summer. He has forged a strong partnership at the back with David Alaba, helping Los Blancos to the third-best defence in the division.
The Brazilian’s performances for Carlo Ancelotti’s side have not gone unnoticed, with Chelsea keen on his signature.
Eder Militao to Chelsea—Should the Blues make a move?
Chelsea might potentially find themselves light in defence ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen are all out of contract at the end of the season and there is a big possibility of the trio leaving Stamford Bridge on free transfers.
Should that happen, Tuchel will be left with Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr as the only centre-back options. At 37, Silva is in the twilight of his career, while both Sarr and Chalobah have functioned as rotational options this term.
Considering the uncertainties surrounding the futures of Rudiger, Azpilicueta and Christensen, Chelsea will certainly enter the market for defensive reinforcements. To that end, Eder Militao has emerged as a target for the Pensioners, with Tuchel keen on fresher options in central defence.
After a shaky debut season with Real, Militao has come a long way and become a key cog in defence in the last 15-18 months. Strong in the air and robust in challenges, the 24-year-old is a smart centre-back with superb ball-playing ability and game-reading skills.
The Brazilian international has a good turn of pace which allows him to make recovery runs and win the ball back for his team, while his decision making on and off the ball has steadily improved under the tutelage of Ancelotti. And his leadership skills, coupled with his technical ability, experience and physical traits could make him a major asset for Tuchel’s Chelsea.
While Eder Militao is understood to be happy with life at Santiago Bernabeu, Chelsea must test Real Madrid’s resolve with an audacious bid in the summer.
