Chelsea discover Rodri is key to them signing a player who loves Xabi Alonso

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Chelsea have learned Eduardo Camavinga could become available if Real Madrid sign Rodri this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

The Mail understands Rodri, who captained Spain to World Cup glory this summer, is pushing to join Jose Mourinho’s Real.

Rodri has just one year left on his contract with Manchester City, and has previously expressed a desire to return to his homeland in the future.

And now the Mail claims senior Real officials are backing a move for Rodri, who won the Golden Ball for his World Cup performances this summer.

The same publication claims Real boss Mourinho is keen to add leadership into a dressing room which became divided last season.

Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni were involved in an altercation in May, with the pair each receiving €500,000 (£435,000) fines from Real.

Should Real sign Rodri, the Mail understands the La Liga giants may look to offload players, with Camavinga among the players who could be sold.

The same publication - alongside talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook - understands Chelsea have considered signing Camavinga this summer.

If a move were to happen, it would see Camavinga reunite with Xabi Alonso, with the pair having worked together at Real last season.

After Alonso was sacked in January, less than eight months after taking over at the Bernabeu, France international Camavinga paid tribute to the Spaniard.

In a post on Instagram, the 23-year-old wrote: “Thank you Mister for your work, your passion and everything you gave to the team. I've learned a lot with you and I will always keep great respect for you. Wishing you all the best for what comes next. Respect.”

After emerging through Rennes’ famed youth system, Camavinga left the Ligue 1 side to join Real in August 2021.

He has made 223 appearances for Los Blancos and won 11 trophies including two La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns.

Camavinga has also earned 29 caps for France, though he was not included in the 26-man squad which competed at this summer’s World Cup.

Chelsea meanwhile have had a €75million (£64m) bid rejected by Bournemouth for midfielder Alex Scott, according to BBC Sport.

Alonso's side completed the club-record €138m (£117m) signing of England international Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa on Tuesday.