OPINION
Chelsea have reportedly launched a sensational bid to sign Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale during the summer transfer window.
Spanish outlet Don Balon claims that the Premier League champions are ready to challenge domestic rivals Manchester United to secure the signature of the 28-year-old.
The report claims that the Blues would also be willing to include playmaker Eden Hazard in a potential swap deal given that he is a long-term target of Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.
It is said that the West London club currently have £118million available to spend in the final stages of the transfer window.
Good move for Chelsea?
Chelsea supporters will be delighted that their club are attempting to sign one of the best players in world football.
However, the Blues should not be looking to include Hazard as part of the deal as he has arguably been the most influential figure in helping Chelsea secure two Premier League titles in three seasons.
The start of the new campaign has shown just how important the Belgian is to the side as Chelsea have suffered defeats in their opening two competitive matches.
There is no doubt that Bale’s arrival would not only help Chelsea get back on track domestically in their bid to the retain the league title, but it would also boost their chances of progressing to the latter stages of the Champions League.
The Welshman has enjoyed three wonderful years in the Spanish capital, winning a total of nine major trophies, including the La Liga title and three Champions League trophies.
Bale produced some outstanding displays during his spell in the Premier League which saw him named the PFA Player of the Year on two separate occasions, a feat matched by his Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Acquiring the services of a player with Bale’s quality is a complete no-brainer for Chelsea
This Is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
Bale’s departure from the Bernabeu is likely to depend on whether Madrid decide to sign another attacker this summer with Monaco striker Kylian Mbappe a reported target for the La Liga team.
The Welshman has failed to hit the heights in pre-season, failing to score a single goal and with the emergence of Spanish youngster Marco Asensio and playmaker Isco playing some of his best football, there is every possibility that Bale might not be first-choice at Madrid this season.
However, given his past connections with Tottenham, the winger might not be keen to join one of their biggest rivals especially with Spurs improving under Mauricio Pochettino and becoming genuine title contenders over the last couple of seasons.
This Is Futbol rating: 2/10