Federico Valverde has insisted that he has no intention of leaving Real Madrid this summer despite reported interest from Chelsea and Liverpool. The 24-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League following the addition of Jude Bellingham at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos wrapped up a deal for the teenager earlier this week, becoming the second most expensive signing in the club's history after arriving for a fee which could rise to £115million. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are both expected to sign one-year extensions in the Spanish capital, while Dani Ceballos is said to be close to penning a three-year contract.
Carlo Ancelotti will be treated to a wealth of midfield options next season, with Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni also pushing for places in the starting lineup. As a result, Valverde has faced a somewhat uncertain future at Real Madrid recently, but he's admitted that he has no plans to leave.
"No, no – I’m at Madrid, trying to enjoy every moment and leave my mark on the best club in the world," the Uruguay international told ESPN Argentina. "I want to keep winning titles for Real Madrid fans."
With Chelsea in the market for a new midfielder or two, Valverde emerged as a potential target. N'Golo Kante, Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mateo Kovacic could all leave Stamford Bridge this summer, so Mauricio Pochettino will certainly want to replenish his options.
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, the former Tottenham boss convinced the Blues to bid up to £85million for the Real Madrid star. The report states that Carlo Ancelotti views Valverde as untouchable and will therefore not entertain any offers.
Had Pochettino been able to get his hands on the Uruguayan then Chelsea could've found signed a midfielder who could be just as good as Bellingham – well, that's what Joe Cole believes.
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Speaking on BT Sport in November following Real Madrid's win over Celtic, the former Chelsea midfielder said: "He's standing right at the top of the tree with Bellingham in the young players, and he's on the verge of becoming the best.
"He's box-to-box, he scores goals, he's a technician he was the unsung hero in the final, I thought he was outstanding against Liverpool. He drove that team forward, he's a powerful boy, took his goal lovely, and he's one that I earmarked about two years ago.
"He's found it tough getting into Casemiro, Kroos and Modric, they've been incredible. He's had to wait, bide his time and learn from the greats, take a little bit from everyone's game.
"His stats this year are unbelievable, his goals, assists, goal involvements, incredible player and we talk a lot about Bellingham in this country, but this kid is every bit as good as Bellingham."
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