Antonio Conte has had a good start to his maiden Premier League voyage, and it’s all about to get better as the Blues boss supposedly has over €150 million left to spend this summer and the Blues boss has identified out-of-favour Real Madrid starlet James Rodriguez as his prime target.
The Colombian international spent a large chunk of last season on bench and has been told by Zinadine Zidane that his place in the first-team is not guaranteed.
The 25-year-old has been linked linked with Arsenal in recent days, but the Blues massive spending power could see them hijack the deal from under the Gunners nose.
Zidane has said that he is open to keeping the Champions League winner at the club, but he will have to accept the third-choice squad status behind Marco Asensio and Isco.
According to FootTheBall sources Chelsea are willing to splash €90 million for the flamboyant midfielder.
However, James has denied all such rumours in the recent weeks, as the player said he was willing to fight for his place in the first team.
‘I will fight to earn my place. That’s my dream,’ Rodriguez said a few days back.
‘I will stay at Real Madrid, I will succeed here.
‘I know that the club received an €85m bid for me, but I’m not leaving.’ he added.
But, a chance to play under Conte and a guaranteed first-team place could very-well change his mind.
If the deal goes through James will become Chelsea’s third big signing this summer after securing the services of Mitchy Batshuayi and N’Golo Kante.
