Chelsea have reportedly dropped out of the race to sign Real Madrid superstar James Rodriguez, who looks set for a move away from the Bernabeu.

The Sun are claiming that Chelsea have dropped out of the race to sign out of favour Real Madrid superstar James Rodriguez. The Colombian has been tipped for a move to the Premier League, and the Blues were one of the favourites to land the attacking maestro. But according to the report, Chelsea have been put off by the £60 million price tag put on James by Real Madrid.

After the Fernando Torres debacle, the Blues hierarchy have done deals mostly in and around the £30m bracket. They are believed to be fearful of committing another mistake in the transfer market as big as the £50m signing of Fernando Torres.

Real Madrid’s asking price would not only mean that Chelsea eclipse the transfer record set by Fernando Torres, but there is no indication as to the possibility that the player would be a guaranteed success at Stamford Bridge.

Out-of-favour with the new boss? (Picture Courtesy - AFP/Getty Images)
Out-of-favour with the new boss? (Picture Courtesy – AFP/Getty Images)

Rodriguez has had a truly turbulent time at Real Madrid ever since French legend Zinedine Zidane became manager at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Frenchman has relegated the Colombian to the bench and has often favoured the likes of Lucas Vazquez, Marco Asensio and others over James.

There have been a few echoes in the stands that support James, but Real Madrid’s continued success under Zinedine Zidane has put the club in a position where Zidane’s decisions cannot be questioned as much.

With Los Blancos continuing to grab positive result after result without James Rodriguez, the Colombian is now prepared to leave the club in search of regular first-team football.

Rodriguez has been linked with a switch to French giants Paris Saint-Germain, as well as the Premier League trio of Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal. While PSG does present James with the prospect of a return to France, there have been reports that the Colombian has set his heart on a move to the Premier League, as he was spotted applying for a British work-permit.

Chelsea’s withdrawal means it is set to be a two-way battle between Arsenal and Manchester United, unless James decides to go for PSG. Manchester United’s financial prowess could hand them an advantage in the pursuit, but Arsene Wenger could pull out all stops to sign James Rodriguez as a potential replacement for Mesut Ozil, who is locked in contract negotiations.

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