Sergio Ramos to Chelsea? Talks Stall Over Real Madrid Extension

Sergio Ramos has achieved plenty since his arrival at Real Madrid from Sevilla back in 2005: four La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey medals, and — most importantly — one Champions League trophy, La Decima. While Cristiano Ronaldo was annoying millions with his excessive, shirtless celebration, it was Ramos who preserved Madrid’s Champions League hopes in the form of a injury-time equalizer against Atletico Madrid to earn Los Blancos their historic, tenth European title. Sergio Ramos has been an integral cog in Real Madrid’s dominant machine and last year was one of his best.

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Reportedly, the 28-year-old center back assumed that this success would lead to a big money contract extension — as his is set to expire in 2017 — and was upset to learn he’d be losing money going forward; earning less than Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, and Iker Casillas.

Ramos subsequently rejected Madrid’s first offer, putting all of Europe’s biggest clubs on high alert. Ex-Chelsea FC manager and current Real Madrid boss, Carlo Ancelotti has moved to dispel rumors of unrest between the club’s board and Sergio:

"Everyone knows full well that Sergio Ramos is essential. Contract issues are not my job, but we all know that Ramos is one of those players, like Cristiano and Iker Casillas, who should stay here for their whole careers."

This has not deterred other clubs from entertaining the idea of luring Ramos away from Madrid. Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Manchester City have all been linked to the player who has made 428 appearances for Los Blancos, totaling 53 goals since arriving in the Spanish capital as a 19-year-old.

Chelsea are known to be looking for reinforcements in the center of defense and, presumably, would jump at the chance to reunite Mourinho with a former player — and medical degree enthusiast. This strife could be the perfect opportunity for the Blues to swoop in and offer the veteran defender an outlet.

Chelsea’s options at center back are currently limited, with only John Terry, Gary Cahill, and Kurt Zouma considered to be viable first-team options. Ramos could add a mix of experience and athleticism to Chelsea’s backline, and would be seen as the clubs long-term replacement for Terry.

While Cahill has not been playing as poorly as people seem to think, he hasn’t been playing spectacularly either. He lacks aggression when facing quick, skillful players and tends to back off in comical fashion until his opponent gets close enough to dispatch a composed finish.

Ramos would provide aggression in spades, but it would be a blessing and a curse. Despite being a world-class defender Sergio is extremely proficient at earning red cards. In fact, Ramos holds the La Liga record for most red cards, ever. That could sufficiently send a successful transfer into the realm of horror-purchase.

Chelsea are reported to have already contacted Ramos’ agent to speak on the possibility of a summer move to Stamford Bridge. This could just be hot air provided to the media by Sergio’s agent in hopes of forcing Madrid into offering an improved contract, and it will be interesting to see if there is any substance to this rumor.