Rodrygo has emerged as a potential transfer target for Chelsea this summer, but I wouldn't be surprised if the player decides on a move elsewhere.
The Brazilian winger has shone for Madrid since signing in 2019, but his future is up in the air with the arrival of Xabi Alonso and a potential switch to a back three, utilising wingbacks rather than natural wingers - and the advance signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold seems to back this up.
Make no mistake, a lot of top clubs will be battling for Rodrygo's signature, however given Chelsea's new model of transfer strategy, it will be difficult to attract him to Stamford Bridge.
Looking at Chelsea's wages list - Reece James is the highest paid player at the club on around 220k a week, though he is also the club captain and one of the faces of the team.
Christopher Nkunku and Wesley Fofana are both paid around 200k a week - though the board may look to move the pair on in the summer, freeing up more of the wage budget and delivering a full transition to the new structure.
It is the biggest reason why a move for Rodrygo may prove difficult - as a former Galatico, he will expect to be paid a fee close to Reece James' salary, though the board might view this as a big risk if he does not end up delivering as expected.
Furthermore, the player might be resistant to a long-term contract, but at only 24, he could accept it, but only if the project and future plans appeal - and that's a big if.
It's an ongoing trend that Chelsea fans on social media are far too gullible and fall for anything - and many are already posting front threes of Rodrygo, Osihmen and Leao, based purely off early gossip and rumor and with no word from either club or reliable source.
Rodrygo on the left hand side would be a massive improvement on Jadon Sancho, in my opinion, and would suit the style of play that Maresca wants from his wingers.
Like I mentioned at the top of the post - he is a hidden gem within the Madrid squad, and could very likely be surplus to requirements under Alonso. The question, therefore - is there any truth to the rumors, and will Chelsea's sporting directors be willing to deviate from their methods in order to land the player?