Chelsea proved their title credentials last week as the Blues thrashed champions, Leicester City at home in what will be a huge boost ahead of the big game on Sunday against Manchester United.
The Blues had a big summer transfer window as new manager Antonio Conte completed a major overhaul and were the busiest side on the deadline day. Chelsea have already started planning their targets for the next transfer window with Ricardo Rodriguez being touted as the prime target for the Blues.
Rodriguez was earlier targeted when Jose Mourinho was at the helm at Chelsea but the deal could not go through due to Wolfsburg’s outrageous asking price. The 24-year-old was rumored to be close to joining Chelsea this summer too but Conte opted to sign Marcos Alonso from Fiorentina who previously had experience of playing in England during his stint with Bolton Wanderers.
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Reports in the Daily Star have stated that Conte has not been impressed by what he has seen from Alonso who can play as a left-back or as a center back and is looking to splash the cash to bring in another fullback.
It has also been rumored that the Swiss international is open to an idea of joining the Blues in January as he had himself said that he wants to test his skills in the Premier League. Wolfsburg are said to be keeping his asking price in the region of more than £20 million but that won't be an issue for Chelsea.
Chelsea will face some tough competition as Sunday's rivals Manchester United have also enquired about Rodriguez as Jose Mourinho wants the 24-year-old to ply his trade at Old Trafford with United set to offload Marcos Rojo as soon as possible.
AS Roma, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid are set to be the other clubs who are trying to sign Rodriguez but it is being said that the Wolfsburg man will choose to ply his trade in the Premier League.
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Rodriguez has one goal in seven league games for Wolfsburg this campaign and has impressed for most of the campaign. He will look to continue his good run when Wolfsburg take on Darmstadt on Saturday.
The 24 year old has a contract with Wolfsburg till 2019 and has received interest from Arsenal, Roma and Real Madrid but only Chelsea seem to be willing to meet the high valuation that the Germans have set for the Switzerland international which is said to be around £22 million. The left back has immense pace with a stinging left foot which makes him effective as a fullback as well as a winger and would be the ideal fit for Conte’s different systems.
(Video courtesy: Football President YouTube channel)
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