According to reports from The Independent this afternoon, Chelsea have emerged as potential suitors in the race to sign Real Madrid midfielder Isco.
The 23 year-old has registered 115 appearances across all competitions for Los Blancos since arriving at the Bernabeu in summer 2013, netting 17 times and helping them claim the 2014 Champions League title in the process.
But his place in the starting Xi is often dependent upon the fitness of Real Madrid’s more coveted names, something which caused friction between the Spaniard and former manager Carlo Ancelotti last season.
Reports from the end of September claimed Arsenal are targeting the attacking midfielder, with manager Arsene Wenger allegedly ‘committed’ to securing a deal after next summer’s European championships.
He’s also recently been mooted as a potential target of Manchester City, having claimed Europe’s prestigious Golden Boy award under Manuel Pellegrini at former club Malaga.
But according to The Independent, who cite reports from Spanish publication Marca, the Premier League duo could now face competition from reigning champions and divisional rivals Chelsea.
Jose Mourinho was spotted in the stands during Spain’s 1-0 win over Ukraine yesterday evening and the British newspaper claim Isco’s performance particularly caught his eye.
The Metro go one step further, alleging the Blues are set to launch an enquiry into Real Madrid’s valuation of the eleven-cap international.