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.”

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, FIFA sanctions are 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. Yet even with his peripheral status, he’s still having an impact, as these numbers from OptaJose show:

7 – James Rodríguez has made more assists than any other Real Madrid player this season (all competitions). Jewel. pic.twitter.com/HlXSifpdjf

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) December 7, 2016

At the majority of …

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