Real Madrid's Brazilian striker Robinho has told the club he wants to join Chelsea, coached by his compatriot Luiz Felipe Scolari, a Spanish newspaper said Wednesday.
Robinho told Real president Ramon Calderon that no club could retain a player if he wanted to leave, ABC reported, noting the player was using the same argument as the Spanish champions are themselves deploying to lure Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United.
The Spanish press has often urged Real to sell Robinho, who joined the club in 2005, to help finance the possible purchase of Ronaldo.
Real are reportedly ready to pay up to 85 million euros (132.5 million dollars) for the Portuguese striker, but Manchester United have repeatedly insisted he is not for sale.
Robinho feels unwanted at Real, and was hurt by the club's decision to prevent him joining the Brazil squad at the Olympics, ABC said.
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon said on July 21 he is hopeful of signing Robinho, and British media have reported the London club has offered 25 million pounds (32 million euros, 49 million dollars) for the 24-year-old.
“It is well noted we have shown interest. We have had discussions with Madrid over it and they are ongoing. The window is still open and we are still talking to Madrid,” Kenyon said.
In another statement, on August 1, Kenyon said that “one of the key issues over buying Robinho has always been that Real Madrid are looking for a replacement.
“It is fair to say that is what has been holding up discussions between the two clubs.”
