Reports: Chelsea FC In Race To Sign Real Madrid Star
Chelsea FC are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid star James Rodriguez.
As the opening of the January transfer window inches closer, silly season is engulfing us once again. However, the latest rumour to fall off the mill is regarding a potential transfer in the summer. Reports claim that Chelsea are looking to bring James Rodriguez to West London.
The story initially comes by way of Spanish outlet Don Balon but The Telegraph has carried it, something which adds some vague aura of viability to it. The Colombian international has apparently become frustrated with Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez and thus an opportunity to pry him away from the Santiago Bernabeu has appeared.
"The Colombian is considering a move away from the Bernabeu next summer, according to Spanish website Don Balon, after growing frustrated with life under Rafael Benitez."
Related Story: Chelsea FC ‘Desperate’ To Sign New Striker
James was a beneficiary of the phenomenon in which a player that performs well at an international tournament is immediately snapped up by a big club for a lot of money. After carrying Colombia to the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup, Real Madrid brought him to Spain in a deal reportedly worth around €80 million.
Unfortunately, his spell in Madrid has been plagued by injuries. A fractured metatarsal interrupted his 2014/15 campaign while thigh issues have kept him sidelined for periods of this season.
More from The Pride of London
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea player ratings: Abysmal, reckless, wasteful
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea: 3 Blues talking points
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 1 Blue Mauricio Pochettino should drop
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 3 Blues who must start
- Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Bournemouth: Palmer starts in 4-2-3-1
However, at just 24 years of age, James still represents a promising and developing talent. With Chelsea’s marquee players in Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa currently struggling, there has been a realisation that the trio are not consistent enough to be relied upon. Hence an appetite for a further big-name signing has grown.
Real Madrid have also been in off-colour form so far and find themselves sitting behind both Barcelona and local rivals Atletico Madrid in the La Liga table. Former Blues tactician (and Europa League winner) Rafa Benitez was put in charge over the summer and to say that some fans disagreed with his appointment is an understatement.
Players like James have apparently become unsettled under the Spanish manager for some reason or another. While the Colombian has started his fair share of fixtures when fit, he also appears to be the chosen sacrifice whenever Benitez feels a change is needed.
Next: Diego Costa Praises Chelsea FC Fans For Enduring Support
Having said that, it is worth reiterating that this is all just conjecture at the moment. There is little to suggest that James is actively seeking a move away from the Bernabeu so Blues fans should not get their hopes up.
If anything, it is probably best for everyone to ignore these random stories and focus on the task at hand: get this Chelsea team moving up the table.