Chelsea Transfer News: Fresh Rumours on James Rodriguez and Michy Batshuayi
Chelsea will reportedly turn to Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez in the January transfer window as they search for a replacement for Oscar.
According to Steve Stammers of the Daily Mirror, the Blues are "plotting [a] £75 million bid" for Rodriguez, who has fallen down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu. It’s suggested the majority of that pursuit will be funded by the sale of Oscar, who is close to agreeing a remarkable £62 million move to Shanghai SIPG.
"[Antonio] Conte tried last summer to sign Rodriguez, but Real blocked any move,” added Stammers. “He will have better luck when the winter transfer window opens.”
Rodriguez spoke about his future on Sunday, per Goal: "I can't assure I will stay at Real Madrid. I have offers and seven days left to think about my future. I am happy in Madrid, but I want to play more. I have a bitter feeling as I wanted to play the [Club World Cup] final, but I am happy for the title. It's [the] 15th title [of] my career."
In the piece, it’s also noted that while the Colombia international would be willing to make the switch, Real Madrid are reluctant to sell with Gareth Bale currently injured. In addition, a FIFA sanction is set to prevent Los Blancos from signing players for the next two transfer windows, meaning no replacement could be brought in.
Despite his ability, Rodriguez has not been involved too frequently since Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane took over in January. Yet even with his peripheral status, he’s still having an impact, as these numbers from OptaJose show:
At the majority of elite teams in world football, Rodriguez would be a key man. The former AS Monaco star can play across midfield and is capable of producing numerous decisive moments in a game.
The one concern for Conte would be Rodriguez’s lack of defensive work, something the Italian typically doesn’t tolerate from his players. However, if he could add a little more steel to Rodriguez’s game to complement his sharp cerebral traits, the Colombian could light up the Premier League.
Michy Batshuayi to Stay Put
According to Simon Jones of MailOnline, Chelsea have made it clear to West Ham United that striker Michy Batshuayi will not be sent out on loan in January.
The Hammers have reportedly looked into the availability of a clutch of Blues stars, including Asmir Begovic, Cesc Fabregas and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. West Ham came close to landing Batshuayi in the summer before Chelsea stepped in to secure him from under their nose.
Since moving to Stamford Bridge, Batshuayi has had to play a supporting role to the imperious Diego Costa and has yet to start a Premier League game. Given the impact Costa has had so far this season, that’s understandable, per Squawka Football:
However, the Belgium international will likely step in when the Blues' top goalscorer isn’t available. Indeed, we’ll likely see Batshuayi in action on Boxing Day, as Costa will be suspended when AFC Bournemouth visit the Bridge.
The striker seems to be happy with life at Chelsea, even if he has, by his own admission, been on the fringes of the first team:
The 23-year-old is still in the early stages of his career at Stamford Bridge, and as such, talk that he is a transfer flop is premature. In the glimpses seen, it’s clear he possesses tremendous pace, strength and intelligence around the penalty area. Batshuayi will be desperate to display those traits against Bournemouth.
Plus, given the combative and aggressive manner of Costa's game, injuries and suspensions in the second part of the campaign wouldn’t be a huge surprise. Batshuayi, as such, will surely play a much more significant role for the Blues in 2017.
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