Abramovich offers Real Madrid ‘preferential option’ on Chelsea trio

Chelsea have offered Real Madrid the chance to sign three of their players as they prepare for a clearout before the end of the transfer window, according to a report.

The Blues have spent heavily during the transfer window, signing the likes of Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech for big sums. Now, they need to offload some players to trim the squad and balance the books.

Reports emerged over the weekend suggesting they had identified four players who could make way. And that appears to have put Real Madrid on alert.

According to Don Balon, Chelsea have offered Jorginho, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Fikayo Tomori – three of the quartet mentioned in the previous report – to the La Liga champions.

The report claims that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich knows that Zinedine Zidane wants to sign a central defender and a holding midfielder during this transfer window.

Madrid have funds available after not bringing anyone in so far. Therefore, Abramovich is looking to tempt them into buying Chelsea’s “discards”.

Midfield is a key area Madrid want to strengthen, hence their links with Jorginho and Bakayoko. At present, Zidane only has Casemiro in the defensive midfield role, so is desperate for another option.

Don Balon admit that neither Jorginho nor Bakayoko are his preferred candidates, but he would be willing to sign them if the price is right.

Chelsea, on the other hand, are well stocked in the position, so would be open to letting Jorginho or Bakayoko go. The latter spent last season out on loan at Monaco, while the former has divided opinion since his 2018 arrival at Stamford Bridge.

Zidane wants defender for future

Meanwhile, Los Blancos are also looking for a long-term successor to Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane. They are aware that Tomori is one of the biggest “promises” in the position in European football, so could make a move for him.

Previous reports have indicated that Chelsea could loan Tomori out, rather than sell him. There has been other interest from Europe, with French side Rennes also reportedly keen.

Chelsea are willing to do more business with Madrid after receiving more than €100m for Eden Hazard last summer. With that in mind, the Spanish giants will have a “preferential option” over other teams if they want to sign any of the trio.