Rodrygo sparks Chelsea transfer frenzy as Real Madrid star sends Joao Pedro brilliant message

Rodrygo has sent João Pedro a classy message following Chelsea's 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final. The 23-year-old striker, who only joined the Blues from Brighton a couple of weeks ago, fired Enzo Maresca's side to glory at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday evening.

Shortly before the break, Pedro put the third and final nail in the Parisians' coffin with a delightful chip. The Brazil international peeled off Vitinha with a darting run into the box and clipped the ball over Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Pedro continued to terrorise Luis Enrique's backline until he was replaced by Liam Delap midway through the second half. After the game, the former Watford and Brighton forward marked the victory with a celebratory message on Instagram.

"I AM WORLD CHAMPION," wrote Pedro, whose post eclipsed half a million likes by Monday morning. Dario Essugo, who Chelsea signed from Sporting last month, commented: "On vacation for world champion."

Rodrygo, who has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this summer including to Chelsea, also congratulated Pedro on the win. The Real Madrid star said: "Congratulations J, you play great [red heart emoji]."

His comment has sparked a frenzy among sections of the Chelsea fanbase, with many calling on Maresca to wrap up a deal. Rodrygo currently faces an uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu, having struggled to force himself into Xabi Alonso's side.

Upon the former Liverpool midfielder's unveiling as the new Los Blancos manager earlier this summer, he claimed the Brazilian had a future in the Spanish capital. Despite insisting Rodrygo was in his plans, Alonso only played him for 92 minutes at the Club World Cup.

Gonzalo Garcia made a great impression in the United States, taking significant minutes from the 24-year-old, while Brahim Diaz was often preferred off the bench. Even Kylian Mbappe, who missed a few games at the start of the tournament due to illness, was thrown straight back into the starting lineup once he felt better.

football.london understands that Arsenal are interested in Rodrygo, but any move would be complicated at the moment. The Gunners' reluctance to pursue the Real Madrid star has left the door wide open for other teams, like Chelsea, to swoop in.

According to the Spanish television show El Chiringuito, the two Premier League clubs have recently approached Rodrygo's entourage to enquire about his availability. The report claims that the winger views London as an 'attractive destination'.

However, it's said that Arsenal and Chelsea face tough competition for his signature. El Chiringuito reckons that Bayern Munich have sent Los Blancos an offer in light of Jamal Musiala's injury and Nico Williams' decision to stay at Athletic Club.

Rodrygo is reportedly reconsidering his future, despite having previously been determined to fight for his place.

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.