In a quite strange occurrence, London club Chelsea, who are known to pay astronomical prices to bring in players, bench them and then loan them out, have felt that James Rodriguez is quite overvalued at the £60million price range.
With forgotten midfielder Oscar preparing to make an over-hyped move to China, the Blues are likely to have a pulpy wallet coming winter and are touted to splash it all to get a number of hot prospects. James Rodriguez has been a primary target for Conte and the Columbian a likely departure the Bernabeu after falling down the pecking order.
Chelsea are not the only suitors for the highly talented midfielder, though. French and Italian giants, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have also been eyeing him and if Chelsea deem him out of their price range, here are three alternatives they should go after.
Marco Reus
The 27-year-old attacking midfielder’s contract at Borussia Dortmund runs out in 2019. Although Dortmund have protected their star from many European giants, they aren’t likely to do it any longer with most of his teammates moving out to fulfil their ambitions.
With an average passing accuracy of 74% and a shot accuracy of 50%, Reus could be the perfect catalyst when partnered with Eden Hazard up front and behind Diego Costa. Reus has the pace and flair to turn defence into attack in a flash.
He already has four goals and four assists in four appearances in all competition for his club since returning from injury. Arsenal have been one of the biggest admirers of the player, they are unlikely to bid for the German this transfer season. So, it opens up a possibility for Chelsea.
Julian Draxler
Yet another long-term Arsenal target, Julian Draxler is one of the assured departures this winter from Wolfsburg. Both, the player and his club have publicly expressed their will to part ways and he is expected to leave in January.
With a plenty of tricks up his sleeves, this German star could have a similar impact on Chelsea’s attacking third like Reus. He is definitely better than Pedro and Willian on the right flank and the Blues could see some uplifting displays from the German.
Goncalo Guedes
Now, getting top players in the mid-season could be a real struggle as no clubs agree to release their impactful players with targets in sight. This Portuguese star could be a perfect signing in that case.
Coming up through the ranks of Benfica’s youth academy, Guedes is now a regular starter in the side. He has scored two goals this season, and registered two assists, with a shot accuracy of 43%.
