Real Madrid take on Chelsea for Brazilian teenager – report

Real Madrid could rival Chelsea for the signature of Sport Recife right-back Pedro Lima, according to a report.

Lima, 17, broke into the Brazilian second division side's starting lineup in January and has now made 25 appearances for the team in all competitions.

Chelsea have long been linked with the teenage defender as part of their ongoing scouting mission in South America, and AS State, the Blues are currently leading the race to secure Lima's signature for a fee of around 7 million euros (£6 million).

However, Real Madrid are also said to be admirers of Lima and are closely monitoring developments with Chelsea, with club officials considering a rival offer if negotiations with the 17-year-old fail.

European champions may need to act quickly Statement Chelsea State are close to completing a deal for Lima.

Chelsea have “very little left to conclude” in their negotiations over Lima, who looks set to become the next South American youngster to move to Stamford Bridge.

The Blues went shopping in Brazil's Serie B in January 2023 when they signed midfielder Andrey Santos from Vasco da Gama, before Angelo Gabriel and Deivid Washington were signed last summer.

Ecuador midfielder Kendry Paez will complete his highly anticipated move to Chelsea in the summer of 2025, and he will be joined by Palmeiras winger Estevao, who has agreed a huge €65 million move to the Blues.

Chelsea's squad in South America took inspiration from Madrid, who struck gold with the recruitment of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo while still teenagers in their native Brazil.

The aim is to find the next £100m player before he actually costs £100m, with Chelsea's recruitment team spending huge sums on a large number of young players in the hope to transform a handful into superstars.