"He's is different class" - Pundit urges Chelsea to hijack Arsenal's move for star player

Former Chelsea player Frank Leboeuf has urged the Blues to step into the race and hijack Real Madrid star Rodrygo's move to Arsenal. Leboeuf also suggested that Rodrygo is a top-level player with a decent amount of experience.

In an analytical conversation with ESPN, Leboeuf opined that Rodrygo would be a good signing for the Blues. He said (via Metro):

"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 unknown from the world of football, but Rodrygo is a different level and definitely a good signing but I think he would cost a lot."

As the season is coming to an end, transfer speculations have begun to emerge. Recent rumors suggest that Rodrygo is unhappy at the Santiago Bernabeu. Meanwhile, a few sources have also claimed that Real Madrid are open to selling the Brazilian winger this summer.

While Arsenal have been identified as one of Rodrygo's suitors, Leboeuf believes the Brazilian could enrich Enzo Maresca's frontline. Rodrygo is undoubtedly a world-class right-winger, with a special mix of creativity and finishing.

If the Blues secure his services, he could transform their right wing and offer fresh attacking perspectives. His presence could also be key, as Chelsea are close to securing Champions League football ahead of next term.

How has Rodrygo performed this season amid links to Chelsea and Arsenal?

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid - Copa del Rey Final - Source: Getty

Amid rumors linking him to top Premier League clubs, the 2024-25 season is one that Rodrygo would want to forget quickly. The Brazilian struggled to dominate Los Merengues' right wing.

Rodrygo also suffered numerous fitness setbacks during the season. However, he managed to register 50 appearances for Madrid and delivered 13 goals and 10 assists. Rodrygo has missed Madrid's last four games, and he's not expected to feature in the final league game against Real Sociedad (Saturday, May 24) due to a thigh injury.

With the summer transfer window set to commence in the coming weeks, it remains to be seen if Rodrygo will leave Madrid. If he decides to leave, it will be interesting to see whether he joins Chelsea, Manchester City, or Arsenal.

About the author

Abel is an European football journalist who focuses primarily on analysis pieces and preview copies at Sportskeeda. A B.Sc degree holder in Economics, he has a previous work experience of 3 years – a year at Opera News Hub where he was promoted as a 'Verified Sports Writer,’ and over two years at Sportskeeda as a revenue-share writer, where his writing skills have ultimately led him to be integrated into the in-house team.

A Manchester United fan who grew up in a family of Red Devils supporters, he started his journey as an ardent football fan in his childhood. He used to spend hours watching the sport with his family and developed a knack for writing about the beautiful game over the years.

He is a huge admirer of Paul Pogba owing to the midfielder's ability to thread passes from anywhere on the pitch and his favorite manager is Jose Mourinho due to the Portuguese's tactical mind. He feels France's triumph in 2018 is his all-time favorite World Cup moment, and reckons Lamine Yamal and Endrick could replicate the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Abel always strives to verify information, especially statistics, before penning a word and offers constructive but not defamatory criticisms. Apart from Europe's top five leagues, he follows the Eredivisie and the Primeira Liga. He loves to spend his free time playing video games like EA FC and watching movies.

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Edited by Parag Jain