Chelsea’s James Rodriguez loan bid is just moronic

MADRID, SPAIN - AUGUST 27: James Rodriguez of Real Madrid competes for the ball with Facundo Roncaglia (L) and Hugo Mallo of Celta de Vigo during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and RC Celta de Vigo at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on August 27, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - AUGUST 27: James Rodriguez of Real Madrid competes for the ball with Facundo Roncaglia (L) and Hugo Mallo of Celta de Vigo during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and RC Celta de Vigo at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on August 27, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images) /
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The latest transfer rumour doing the rounds regarding Chelsea claims that the Blues have had a loan bid for James Rodriguez rejected by Real Madrid.

With mere days left in the summer transfer window, Chelsea are becoming increasingly desperate. This is largely due to severe deficiencies at the back, but the latest report sees the Blues linked with an attacker, Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez. It’s also a loan bid.

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Surely not.

The Mirror is the source of the story, as they claim Chelsea tried to loan Rodriguez from the Spanish giants.

"Chelsea have made an audacious attempt to sign Real Madrid star James Rodriguez on loan. Real Madrid have blocked the move."

This cannot be genuine. The rumour seems wholly moronic, but failing that, Chelsea are.

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James Rodriguez has not enjoyed the best of times since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2014. The Colombian joined Real Madrid for around €80 million after a breakthrough World Cup campaign.

However, his stay has been interrupted by injuries. A metatarsal fracture and a muscle tear has meant that his playing time has been limited. The fierce competition for places at Real Madrid has not helped either.

With 25 goals in 81 competitive appearances, the Spaniards are looking to offload the 25-year-old. Boss Zinedine Zidane apparently does not see him as part of his plans.

An attempt to loan Rodriguez cannot be described as anything other than audacious, though. Despite his recent struggles, the player will still be in high demand as deadline day nears. Chelsea’s bid to grab him on loan is laughable.

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - AUGUST 21: James Rodriguez of Real Madrid reacts during the La Liga match between Real Sociedad de Futbol and Real Madrid at Estadio Anoeta on August 21, 2016 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – AUGUST 21: James Rodriguez of Real Madrid reacts during the La Liga match between Real Sociedad de Futbol and Real Madrid at Estadio Anoeta on August 21, 2016 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) /

Furthermore, it just reflects the bizarre thinking that goes on behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge. They have failed to meet any valuation for a centre-back, leaving them desperate to sign anyone vaguely classed as a defender. Now, they are trying to loan one of the world’s hottest talents.

Some may point to the Radamel Falcao case to justify the Chelsea board’s decision. However, AS Monaco simply could not afford the striker’s wages and were thus happy for anyone to take him off their books.

Real Madrid are certainly not in the same position.

President Florentino Perez is believed to be holding out for a decent price in return for James Rodriguez. The Colombian is still an immensely talented player and given the abundance of rich clubs (including those in China), Real Madrid will likely get the deal they want.

If they don’t, Zidane will have a high-calibre player to bring on as a substitute.

As usual, it is worth stating that this is a rumour. Chelsea may not have made an offer. Nevertheless, the club have a precedent for the ridiculous and this fits the bill.

It’s just moronic.