Frank Lampard’s desire to overhaul his attacking options this summer has reportedly seen Chelsea make an approach for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior.
The 20-year-old Brazilian played no part in the Champions League last-16 second-leg away to Manchester City and there have been questions raised as to his long-term future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
AS Diario report that Chelsea have approached the LaLiga champions about a potential switch and initial contact was made over Vinicius as early as November.
Both Arsenal and French champions Paris Saint-Germain have been credited with an interest in the Brazilian previously.
Zinedine Zidane has proven ruthless when it comes to his selection in attack, freezing out Gareth Bale and often overlooking Vinicius.
Eden Hazard arrived last summer and has been the preferred option when fit alongside Karim Benzema and Rodrygo.
Vinicius, who joined the club from Brazilian side Flamengo in 2018, is under contract in the Spanish capital until June 2025.
He has a reported £630million release clause but having yet to really establish himself – Vinicius has eight goals in 69 appearances for the club to date – Zidane could move him on for the right fee.
Lampard has already signed Hakim Ziyech from Ajax and Timo Werner from RB Leipzig for a combined £90m and also has a firm interest in £90m-rated Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Kai Havertz.
After a 7-1 aggregate defeat in the Champions League to Bayern Munich this week, Lampard was coy when asked if there could be further business done to improve his side.
‘I wouldn’t expect anything but it’s our job to go away and see what happens and see where we can improve,’ he said.
‘In a footballing sense, I feel like I know where we can improve but now it’s time to look at that.’
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