Have Chelsea set their sights on signing Real Madrid’s Isco?

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According to reports in Spain over the last day, Chelsea could be set to swoop for out-of-favour Real Madrid midfielder Isco in a deal worth a potential £160,000 per week.

Diario Gol claims that Antonio Conte’s side are financially able to meet Isco’s extremely high wage demands, and are ready to steal the 24-year-old Spanish playmaker from London rivals Tottenham.

With Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane rarely giving Isco an opportunity on the field due to his variety of other options, this could open the door for the London side to make a summer offer.

What could Isco bring to Antonio Conte’s side?

One asset Isco has that would enable him to fit seamlessly into Conte’s style of play is his versatility and maneuverability in the final third; whether playing as a number ten, a winger or in a more central midfield role, the Madrid playmaker is able to have a defining impact on a match.

Despite being pushed aside by Zidane for the best part of two seasons, he’s still managed seven goals in 23 La Liga appearances this year which shows he has a natural ability to find the net. Add to this the fact that he’s also created 28 clear chances (five assists) and has a passing accuracy of 90% this season, and his control in the middle of the park and innate talent to dictate play is visible to all.

He’s far more comfortable with the ball at his feet as opposed to operating in a counter attack, and with the pace of Pedro and Eden Hazard outside him, it could be a handy trio to have in the Chelsea midfield.

Despite not being the strongest or most physical player in the world the Spaniard makes up for it in creativity and vision, using his footballing brain well in pressure scenarios to find the cutting pass.

With Chelsea’s current attacking options so strong, it may seem like a strange move to go for Isco, but with the Blues competing on four fronts next year adding some strength in depth will be priceless.

Would a move to Stamford Bridge prove to be successful?

A potential move to London would allow Isco to play alongside fellow Spaniards in Pedro, Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Cesar Azpilicueta, and would prove invaluable in settling him in quickly.

After coming through each individual age group for Spain since he first played in their Under-16 squad in 2008, the 24-year-old has played 19 times for the national side, giving him valuable game-time with his potential teammates for next year – this already gives them a crucial understanding of each other.

Although Chelsea currently possess an extremely strong squad in the attacking third of the field – Pedro, Eden Hazard, Victor Moses, Willian, N’Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic will all provide stiff competition for spots – but this could prove to work in Isco’s favour with a healthy sense of rivalry.

With the Blues all but securing their Champions League status again for next season, his wealth of experience in Europe will prove to be pivotal as the club’s calendar begins to pile up with fixtures.

At a reported £160,000 a week it’s a huge price tag to pay for somebody who has only made a handful of starts in recent years, but it could well be a risk worth taking for Antonio Conte’s side.

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