Chelsea want Dani Carvajal as Ivanovic successor

Chelsea are reportedly keen to bring Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal to Stamford Bridge to eventually replace veteran defender Branislav Ivanovic.

According to Bernabeu Digital, Chelsea are hoping to secure the signing of Spanish international Dani Carvajal after new Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez has made clear that Danilo is his first choice at the right-back spot.

Ivanovic is one of many players on the Chelsea squad that have had a poor start to the season but the 31-year-old’s days at Stamford Bridge appear to be numbered following reports in England that reveal manager Jose Mourinho has sent scouts out to find a replacement for the Serbian international.

Mourinho’s top target is one he knows very well, Carvajal, who made his professional debut under the Portuguese coach at Real Madrid before being sold to Bayer Leverkusen in Mourinho’s final year at the club.

Carvajal was brought back the following year and forced then manager Carlo Ancelotti to play him over Alvaro Arbeloa, earning him the Decima title and a place on the Spanish national team.

Carvajal matured during his time in Germany and has grown into a top player for Real Madrid, but could be interested in making a move if Benitez chooses to replace the 23-year-old with Danilo.

However, Real Madrid aren’t likely to let Carvajal leave without a price after the player just signed a new contract until 2020 and the recent injury to Danilo has given him back the starting role for the time being, making a January move even more difficult.