Ex-Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf believes Real Madrid forward Rodrygo would be a “good signing” for his former club.

Asked about the prospect of the Brazilian international making the switch to Stamford Bridge, Leboeuf said Rodrygo was the type of marquee addition that the Blues desperately need:

“Yes, because he’s is different class. He has some experience, he knows the top level. Comparing him to the others who came and didn’t perform for Chelsea. There were some unknowns from the world of football, but Rodrygo is a different level and definitely a good signing but I think he would cost a lot.”

How much would Rodrygo cost?

It is believed that Real Madrid value the 24-year-old at around €100m (£85m) which is a sizeable fee for a player who has never scored 20 goals in a single season during his senior career. The best he has managed is 19 in 57 appearances during the 2022/23 campaign.

Nonetheless, Rodrygo could well be on the market this summer. He is said to have become disenchanted with the direction of his current team and his position in the starting lineup may come under threat if Real go ahead with a move for Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.

Chelsea will have competition for the forward

Rodrygo is believed to be on the London club’s radar, but there are also plenty of other teams (mostly in the Premier League) who are keeping tabs on his situation.

Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool have been credited with an interest in the Brazilian too. Chelsea’s chances of winning the race for his signature could depend on Champions League qualification.

A victory against Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon will guarantee a top 5 finish. A draw would leave them reliant on other results while a defeat at the City Ground would end their chances of sealing a place in next season’s top European competition. It could also raise questions about the future of head coach Enzo Maresca.

Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here