Chelsea’s Antonio Conte was one of the busier managers in the transfer window as he managed to stamp his authority on the squad at the Bridge in a month’s time. The likes of Michy Batshuayi and N’Golo Kanté will add much needed mettle to the squad next season but the manager is still looking at other possible additions to allow him to compete on all three fronts next season. The manager has been linked with a number of star players recently but one player who is now close to a move to the club according to reports is Colombian international James Rodriguez. The 25-year old was one of the most exciting young talents in Europe while at Porto a few of years ago but has slowly faded away at Real Madrid in the last season.
Zinedine Zidane, the new manager at Real, is reportedly looking to offload the player for big money and feels that he has no real place in the squad next season. This has seen a number of clubs move for the midfielder and it is now understood that Chelsea lead the race for his signature. It is reported that Cesc Fabregas will be offered to Real Madrid as a part of a deal to land the Colombian this summer. If the deal is done, it will one of the biggest deals this summer that will end with Fabregas donning a Madrid shirt just a couple of years after helping Barcelona to numerous title.
But how profitable is this move for the player and his clubs? Should Fabregas be off-loaded to land the youngster this summer? The simple answer to the question would be a no. The 29-year old Spaniard is easily one of the best midfielders in Europe at the moment and has proven himself time and again in England and also the La Liga. He was an influential figure in Chelsea’s title winning campaign just a year ago and should not be allowed to leave the club under any circumstances. However, the Real Madrid man will bring in his own threats to Chelsea if he makes the move.
James is a natural attacker who has a peculiar eye for goal in the final third. He has all the skills and tricks that scare defenders away while his technique is quite commendable. He also has a matured head on his shoulders and has shown that he can handle pressure in his stint with Real Madrid. He creates chances, scores goals and is also a decent set-piece taker, all the attributes that will make Conte want to steal him away this summer.
He will reportedly cost around £65m, and though it is a high price for a 25-year old, the inflation in the current market does not even raise eyebrows at the asking price. Chelsea are also reportedly ready to splash the cash and will be hoping to use him just in behind Diego Costa, with Eden Hazard and Willian on either side. That looks a promising front-line by the looks of it and if Chelsea can get the deal done without offering Fabregas (providing they are ready to meet the asking price) it can easily turn out to be a master stroke in years to come. Do you think Chelsea should allow Fabregas to leave in a part deal for James Rodriguez this summer?
