Real Madrid could release the Columbian skipper this summer for a move away from Spain, according to reports making the rounds.
Express Sport claims that Chelsea coach Antonio Conte has received the go-ahead to submit a bid for the player as he is desperate for playing time. The report claims that the management would allow the deal of up to £60 million go through if the coach deems him an asset.
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane does not have Rodriguez on his priority list and isn’t keen to adjust the current to make him fit in, despite the huge transfer fee spent on getting the Columbian after the 2014 World Cup. However, popular Spanish football pundit Guillem Balague told Sky Sports that Madrid could be the ones behind the story to attract bids from interested clubs. Chelsea remains the top club keen on landing Rodriguez.
“Real Madrid will be happy to let James go this summer. It’s been reported Chelsea are willing to pay £60.1 million for the Colombia international.
“We will see if they are willing to pay that sort of money, but it sounds to me that Real are leaking this story to attract interest in the player. He’s not worth that money and I’m pretty sure Chelsea know that,” Balague said.
Chelsea are also in the thick of transfer news with the transfer window closing in. Gazzetta dello Sport claims The Blues have submitted a bid of £50 million to Napoli for Kalidou Koulibaly. Conte clearly wants to add a defender, and is linked with a move for AC Milan’s Alessio Romagnoli. Napoli are not keen to sell their defender despite the big money involved, at least until there is a capable retirement since they want to close in on the Serie A after finishing second last season. Also, reports say Chelsea already submitted a bid of £30 million for Romagnoli, but Milan rejected it. Daily Mail say Chelsea will up the bid a bit as they refuse to give up so easily.