Gareth Bale to Chelsea? Welsh Wizard linked with Blues switch

Chelsea have been linked with a move for Gareth Bale.

The Real Madrid winger is often linked with a move to the Premier League, but usually it is in connection with a return to Tottenham Hotspur or a transfer to Manchester United.

But according to numerous reports today, Chelsea are in the mix.

Injuries have again hindered Bale’s campaign in the Spanish capital.

The 28-year-old has missed Real’s last three La Liga games, and missed half of last season too.

It’s now believed that Madrid chief Florentino Perez is growing tired of the Welshman’s absences.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has made clear in recent weeks how he wants the Stamford Bridge outfit to expand the squad.

And continued reports that Barcelona will again try to sign Eden Hazard next summer have also enhanced the likelihood that Bale could be bound for West London.

Bale is valued at £72m by transfermarkt.co.uk, and is under contract at the Spanish champions until 2022.

That’s unlikely to deter Chelsea however, who have already fallen nine points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City this season.

The Citizens have also scored almost double the number of Chelsea’s goal this term.

And though Conte’s men hit four past Stoke City and Watford, they drew a blank in their big games against Arsenal and City.

Even when they did net against another top-six side – Tottenham – it was Marcos Alonso who provided the goals

So it’s clear the Blues – and Conte – need some added top-line quality up front. Could Bale be the answer?

All Odds and Markets correct as of the date of publication