Chelsea linked with Vinicius Junior

Chelsea are interested in signing Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid in the summer of 2026, according to The Chelsea Chronicle.

Vinicius Junior is out of contract at Madrid in the summer of 2027, and Chelsea have taken a shine to the Brazil international forward.

Journalist Graeme Bailey said: “Let’s not forget Vini Jr. It’s not a new thing that he’s unsettled there. He’s only got 18 months left on his deal and Real Madrid have told him that if he doesn’t sign a new deal by next summer, he’ll be sold.

“There’s only a handful of clubs who can get him. I’m told he doesn’t want to go to Saudi Arabia. In England, there’s only Chelsea, City and Liverpool.

“I know these types of deals are not ones that Chelsea tend to do at the moment, but when someone like that comes on the market, I don’t think that Todd Boehly would turn his nose up at that because he’s a marquee, generational player. Imagine the commercial gains you can get off Vini Jr.

“Come next summer, if he’s only got a year left, we’re not talking £200m. I wouldn’t necessarily rule Chelsea out of that equation. I think he’ll sign a new deal, but he’s clearly not happy.

“Keep an eye on Vini Jr. Chelsea are one of the ones who have looked at him before, and he’s on their radar.”