Chelsea FC Leading Race To Sign Madrid Star Gareth Bale

Chelsea FC are set to have a go at Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

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The Welshman has said that he wishes to remain with Los Blancos for at least one more season, but the Blues are reportedly willing to test his resolve.

Bale — who, with a brace, led his team to a 3-0 victory over Israel in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Saturday — was made a scapegoat for Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in last weekend’s El Clasico.

Jul 26, 2014; Berkeley, CA, USA; Real Madrid middle fielder Gareth Bale (11) shoots for a score during the first half against Inter Milan in the first round of the Guinness International Champions Cup at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

So far, one fan has been suspended for being part of a group which attacked the player’s car after the game, per Sky Sports.

This just underlines the torrid time that the player is having, just a little over a year after Madrid made him the world’s most expensive player. It is said that the forward is having a hard time accepting the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo is the club’s main man.

He has been under constant scrutiny since his arrival, but he has responded to his critics (by not responding to them), claiming that he has nothing to prove.

"“I don’t need to answer the critics. I know, and everyone around me knows, what I can do.”“There are ups and downs in football, you have to take it with a pinch of salt and all you can do is respond with your performances on the pitch, like that. I don’t feel I need to prove anyone wrong or right, I just need to play my football.”-Gareth BaleSource: Espnfc"

Bale has scored 18 goals and recorded 7 assists for his team this season, but apparently, he hasn’t done enough. Fans haven’t been appreciative, and the club may let him leave over the summer, but for no lower than £75 million.

Chelsea are said to be leading the race to land the Welsh superstar, although Manchester United are desperate for his signature. But with Louis van Gaal needing to strengthen other areas, the Blues could have the green light.

Former United midfielder Paul Scholes believes that Bale would be perfect for the Red Devils, and that the club should make signing him a priority.

"“My feeling is that he would be perfect for Manchester United.”“Of course, as a fan of my former club I would like to see him there but, looking at it objectively, I always felt that Bale was a natural fit for United as he developed at Tottenham from a left-back into one of the best attacking footballers in the country.”-Paul ScholesSource: Express"

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That may be so, but would he make sense for Jose Mourinho and Chelsea? With Eden Hazard having made the left flank his, Bale’s addition would certainly prompt a formation change — with a 4-3-3 probably the best option.

Being a former left-back, Gareth Bale would offer Mourinho the defensive qualities he looks for in all his players, so he would surely be a welcome addition to the squad.

The question lies in his price tag. Is he worth £75 million? I don’t think so — not right now at least. He wasn’t worth half the fee Real Madrid paid to bring him to Spain, but they are rather famous for overspending.

Bale may well be worth it in the long run, but the Blues would do well to get a few quid knocked off that sum.

Next: Mourinho Wrong To Sell De Bruyne

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