Chelsea have been linked with a move for the LOSC Lille defender Leny Yoro.
A report from Spanish publication Marca claims that the defender is very clear about his future and he has already informed the Lille hierarchy that he wants to join Real Madrid in the summer.
His contract with the French club ends in the summer of 2025 and Yoro is hoping that the two clubs can finalise an agreement. The development will come as a major blow for Chelsea who were hoping to sign the player.
Yoro is regarded as one of the finest young defenders in European football right now and he could have been a quality long-term addition to the Chelsea defensive unit. They are expected to part ways with Thiago Silva at the end of the season and the Frenchman could have been his long-term replacement.
Leny Yoro celebrates a goal for Lille
Leny Yoro will be an asset for Real Madrid
The 18-year-old has the potential to develop into a top-class player with the right guidance and coaching. He could be a long-term asset for Real Madrid if they can get the deal done.
The Spanish giants are hoping to sign him for a reasonable price at the end of the season between €30-40 million. It will be interesting to see if Chelsea decide to move on to other targets now. They will still need to bring in a talented young defender to replace Thiago Silva in the summer.
Real Madrid are one of the biggest clubs in the world and it is no surprise that the young defender wants to join them. In addition to that, Chelsea are going through a difficult phase right now and they will not be able to compete in Europe next season.