The price for someone who has been in the spotlight of Chelsea for a while has been increased to €40 million.
The 19-year-old has been one of La Liga’s biggest breakthrough stars this season after being integrated into Real Betis’ first team by Manuel Pellegrini. Rodríguez is a technical left winger who terrorized Real Madrid’s defense last month.
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The teenager is far from fully developed, but the potential is clear. His finishing and decision-making still need improvement, with just four goals and four assists in 35 appearances so far this season.
Rodríguez scored as Real Betis easily beat Polish side Jagiellona in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday. His progress has not gone unnoticed, and Chelsea are watching closely.
According to the Daily Mail, Real Betis are sticking to a transfer fee of around €40 million for Rodríguez. Chelsea are on the hunt for a left-winger this summer, with ongoing uncertainty surrounding Mykhailo Mudryk and Jadon Sancho.
There has been almost total silence around Mudryk since his temporary ban for alleged doping violations last year, suggesting that the situation is more serious.
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As for Sancho, the report claims that he will “probably” return to Man Utd this summer – which seems strange. Chelsea have the option to send the loan player back, but will then have to pay a €6 million fine.
Therefore, a return to Old Trafford is considered a “loser-loser” situation: Sancho has no future at Man Utd, while Chelsea would probably benefit from signing him permanently to sell him on.
Regardless, Chelsea are known for seeking a left winger, and Rodríguez has been seen as an ideal option by club managers after becoming a crowd favourite at his childhood club.
