Chelsea circle Real Madrid midfielder for 2026 summer transfer move

Real Madrid rarely sell if they do not want to, but they have done well cashing in on some of their players that they do not deem necessary. French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga could fit that bill next summer.

According to The Daily Briefing, Chelsea are plotting a move for Camavinga in the summer of 2026. The French midfielder arrived as a wonderkid at the age of just 18, but has struggled to progress since his impact off the bench in their Champions League triumph in 2022. Various Premier League clubs have been linked with Camavinga, but Chelsea are described as the side most interested and their information is that he is a concrete target for nine months’ time.

“It’s 100% accurate. Camavinga’s role under Xabi Alonso isn’t clearly defined, so he might consider a move if the right project and offer come along. Chelsea are very interested, they’ve liked him for some time,” a source is quoted as saying.

Real Madrid would only accept huge offer for Camavinga

The report goes on to detail that Los Blancos would not consider offloading Camavinga on the cheap, and Chelsea’s bid would have to reflect that of a world-class midfielder. Their asking price would be around €80m for Camavinga. At 22 years of age, and with significant potential, it makes sense that Los Blancos would be reluctant to part with him, albeit the coming season is likely to be instructive.

Why has Camavinga’s progress stalled?

It remains to be seen what plans Xabi Alonso has for Camavinga, given he has yet to have had the opportunity to use him. Out with injury over the past four months, Camavinga only returned to fitness earlier this week, and could make his comeback on Saturday against Espanyol. Injuries are first and foremost what have halted his progress, with Camavinga deprived of rhythm and consistency over recent seasons.

However there is also a feeling that Camavinga is yet to fully assimilate the positional discipline expected of a deeper midfielder. While his qualities driving with the ball and winning it back are obvious, all too often that has been seen in bursts but without winning the battle in midfield. Camavinga was also used in a number of roles over the last couple of seasons, including full-back, which also interrupted his continuity.