With the shocking departure of Oscar to the Chinese Super League, Chelsea look toward Madrid ace James Rodriguez.
James has been left out of Madrid’s plans this season, unable to get a string of games together. Rodriguez has been honest about his desire to move away from the Santiago Bernebau.
This move is rumoured to be occurring in January as Chelsea plan to reinvest the glamorous sum paid for Oscar. Rodriguez would provide Conte with another world class attacking outlet and champions league quality player.
No European football has allowed Chelsea to go from strength to strength this season with their only perceived fragility being the shallow nature of their squad. Whilst this is not an issue for this season’s campaign, the veteran champions league manager Conte is surely aware of European commitment next campaign.
Oscar was received for a reported fee of £52M. The overspending by Chinese club, Shanghai SIPG will allow Abramovich to bring in James without financial stress. Bringing in James will not be an easy task however, with Manchester City and Arsenal both chasing the man.
The Coloumbian would be an ideal replacement for Özil should Arsenal not be able to get the assist king to sign another deal with the Gooners. Nevertheless, entering the team of the Premier League title favourites would be inticing for young James.
Rodriguez would thrive under the freedom that Chelsea’s 4-3-3 system provides. This was seen in his form at Monaco and the 2014 World Cup. With James, the quality is undeniably there and with his history of never making more than 60 appearances for one club, a move to Stamford Bridge is looking on the cards.
If a deal was to materialise it would likely occur in the following transfer window after Madrid have their embargo lifted. The deal would cost Chelsea between £50-65M and £150-200K a week in wages. Watch this space.
