Antonio Conte managed to break records in his first season in England as he became the first manager to win the league title in his debut season in the country.
The Blues were the most consistent side in the competition last season but the loss to Arsenal in the FA Cup final brought forth a number of shortcomings that Conte has to take care of this summer.
This has seen the manager look high and dry for top transfer targets, as Chelsea has been linked with a move for some of the finest players in world football at the moment.
One such player who is now closer to a move to the Stamford Bridge is Colombian international James Rodriguez.
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The 25-year old, who moved to Real Madrid after a sensational World Cup showing in Brazil, has not been able to establish himself in the first team at the Bernabeu, even under the new boss Zinedine Zidane and has constantly been linked with en exit this summer.
He was left out of the squad that won the Champions League final over Juventus not so long ago and is sure to quit the Bernabeu before the start of the season.
Chelsea in pole position
And it is now reported that the Blues are in pole position to secure the services of the Colombian playmaker this summer.
According to reports from Spanish news outfit AS, Real Madrid are willing to let James Rodriguez join any club in Europe this summer, who are ready to meet his valuation and Chelsea are reportedly in the driver’s seat for his signature.
It is understood that Real Madrid, who are confident of signing Spanish U21 star Dani Ceballos this summer, are ready to let Rodriguez leave for the highest bidder, with Chelsea, Manchester United and PSG interested.
The Red Devils have already signed Romelu Lukaku but are also looking at Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid and it is claimed that the Spanish outfit wants to send Rodriguez to Chelsea this summer.
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He is also wanted by PSG, who are ready to make a £52m bid for him in the upcoming days.
Conte to pay up
But with lack of options in the transfer market, Antonio Conte is reportedly ready to pay up and meet his valuation as Rodriguez is a part of the five-man wishlist that Conte wants at the club next season.
AS Monaco star Tiemoue Bakayoko is also reportedly on this list and it will be a huge start for Chelsea if they are able to land Rodriguez this summer.