Chelsea are reportedly discussing the possibility of a shock swap deal with Real Madrid which will see James Rodriguez change places with Eden Hazard.
Rodriguez has been heavily linked with an exit from the Bernabeu this summer, as after struggling to establish himself under Zinedine Zidane last season due to the stiff competition for places, he could be chasing a more prominent role elsewhere.
According to Diario Gol, Madrid president Florentino Perez isn’t willing to accept much less than €80m for the Colombian international, which would represent a €20m profit for the La Liga and European champions after signing him for €60m from Monaco in 2014.
It’s added in the report that Rodriguez prefers to move to the Premier League this summer, which in turn has led to suggestions that Chelsea have asked about his availability and opened up the possibility of a deal involving Hazard.
While it’s suggested that the former Monaco and Porto star is close to an agreement to move to London, it remains to be seen now whether or not the exchange deal gets the switch over the line and if Hazard and Chelsea are willing to accept such a proposition.
According to the report, it seems that they could be, while Zidane is a huge admirer of the Belgian international, and so the coming weeks will be crucial in determining how this situation ends.
Rodriguez made just 22 La Liga appearances last season, scoring eight goals and providing six assists. That’s an impressive impact for a player who didn’t get regular minutes, and it’s widely expected that he will flourish at a top team elsewhere with an important role.