Chelsea have enquired about the availability of Real Madrid right-back Alvaro Odriozola, according to reports in the Spanish media.

The 27-year-old has just a year left on his contract at the Bernabeu and it is believed that both the Blues and Athletic Bilbao have registered their interest in the player.

Odriozola has been capped four times by Spain at senior level, but he barely played for his club last season, with manager Carlo Ancelotti handing him just six appearances in total.

The defender originally joined Real Madrid from Real Sociedad for €35m in the summer of 2018, but he has never been a regular starter in his five years with the La Liga club, having also been sent on two loan spells to Bayern Munich and Fiorentina.

Why would Chelsea be interested in Odriozola?

The news that the Blues are pursuing the fullback is somewhat surprising, considering they are already well-stocked at right-back.

Malo Gusto has joined from Lyon, and the Frenchman will likely be a strong backup for Reece James, who has had his injury problems.

Captain Cesar Azpilicueta is also still at the club, although there are reports that he could be let go this summer. Odriozola may be seen as a potential replacement.

Odriozola is unlikely to be a priority transfer target

Defence is probably the one area of the team where Chelsea really don’t need any further signings. The Blues have invested heavily in defenders over the past two transfer windows so you can’t see Odriozola being top of the shortlist of players that manager Mauricio Pochettino wants to bring in.

A new goalkeeper, two midfielders and a number nine are expected to be the main priorities for the summer but, even then, the club will need to sell first due to the size of the first team squad.