Chelsea express interest in signing 21-year-old Spanish defender partly owned by Real Madrid – Romano | OneFootball

Real Madrid could soon benefit from the impressive rise of one of their former academy products, with Chelsea now showing interest in Como centre-back Jacobo Ramon.

The 21-year-old defender has enjoyed a strong first full season in Italy since leaving Real Madrid, attracting attention from several clubs across Europe. 

Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are among the teams keeping a close eye on the Spaniard as they continue their search for defensive reinforcements.

It must be remembered that while Ramon is no longer a Real Madrid player, the Spanish giants remain heavily invested in his future thanks to clauses included in his transfer to Como.

Chelsea add Ramon to centre-back shortlist

Chelsea’s interest in the former Real Madrid talent emerged during recent discussions with Como over a separate transfer matter.

The Premier League club had been exploring a deal involving Trevoh Chalobah, but Como considered the operation too expensive at this stage. 

During those conversations, Chelsea took the opportunity to gather information about Ramon, who has established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in Serie A.

Chelsea have shown interest in Jacobo Ramon. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

According to the Italian journalist, the former Real Madrid academy defender is one of several centre-backs currently being assessed by Chelsea’s recruitment department.

The London club is understood to have shortlisted four or five candidates for the position, with Ramon among the names under consideration.

Real Madrid still hold significant control

Although Ramon left the Santiago Bernabeu last summer, Real Madrid ensured they would remain involved in any future developments surrounding the player.

The defender joined Como in a deal worth €2.5 million for 50% of his rights, allowing the Italian club to secure a highly-rated prospect while giving Real Madrid long-term protection over his future.

Importantly, Los Blancos retained a 50% sell-on clause and negotiated buy-back options covering each of Ramon’s first three seasons in Italy.

Those clauses mean Real Madrid would benefit financially from any future sale while also maintaining the possibility of bringing the defender back if his development continues on its current trajectory.

Real Madrid have significant control over Jacobo Ramon. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

With Chelsea now showing interest, those protections could become increasingly valuable.

Real Madrid likely to remain patient

Despite Chelsea’s interest, there is currently little indication that Real Madrid are preparing to trigger any buy-back mechanism.

The club is already in the middle of a defensive rebuild, with several centre-back options being evaluated as part of Mourinho’s long-term plans. 

As a result, there is no immediate need to rush into a decision regarding Ramon.

If anything, Real Madrid are believed to be pleased with the defender’s development at Como and view another season in Serie A as beneficial for his growth.

The ideal scenario may be to allow the Spaniard to continue gaining top-flight experience before reassessing the situation in 2027.