Romano: Real Madrid are ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign South American forward | OneFootball

Romano: Real Madrid are now leading the race to Chelsea target Endrick

According to a tweet from Transfer Expert Fabrizio Romano, European champions Real Madrid are now leading the race to sign Chelsea target and Palmeiras wonderkid Endrick.

It is further revealed that the La Liga giants have begun official negotiations with the Brazilian club with an offer of around €60m plus add-ons.

Endrick has been linked with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain as well. A few weeks ago, Metro reported that the Blues invited the player’s parents to Cobham to show the training ground and also introduce them to Brazil legend and Blues defender Thiago Silva.

Now, as per UOL Sport (h/t Metro), Endrick prefers a move to Real Madrid in spite of the fact that Chelsea were favourites to sign him till the last few days.

The forward is currently 16, hence he won’t be able to join any European club until he turns 18, which is in the summer of 2024 (Evening Standard). But, it seems as if Madrid are pushing to agree on a pre-contract before the eventual move takes place. They have a habit of signing young talents from Brazil and making them superstars. Recent examples are Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.

Real Madrid now lead the race to sign Chelsea target Endrick. (Credit: Marca)

It would be a blow for Chelsea as they have linked with him for some time. The Blues have not hesitated in spending big money on buying highly talented young players in order to strengthen their youth side.

Co-owner Todd Boehly has a plan called ‘Vision 2030‘ where he wants to sign the best young talents, make the youth teams strong and also push the players to fight for a spot in the senior team simultaneously.

Endrick has the talent and quality to be an ideal addition to the youth side, or even to the senior team. Though it looks unlikely now, Chelsea should continue their quest to sign the wonderkid until it becomes impossible.