Robert Mayer – USA Today Sports

Despite having one of the strongest teams in the world, Real Madrid are always testing the market to find more talented players to add to their roster without paying too much attention to the price tag involved.

This summer, the main priority was to strengthen the midfield area with the arrivals of players like Isco and Illarramendi, but the results haven’t been the ones Carlo Ancelotti was hoping for. The former PSG tactician has already transmitted to Florentino Perez his first January target once the transfer market opens.

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Multiple sources across Europe indicated that Los Merengues are keen on Chelsea midfielder Ramires, who has been shining at the Blues ever since arriving from Benfica a few years ago. After being managed by Ancelotti in the past, the Italian would be keen to having him again under his coaching, only this time it would be at Santiago Bernabeu.

The Stamford Bridge outfit, however, aren’t keen to sell one of their most prized assets to another European contender, especially since the former Sao Paulo star is a key member of Jose Mourinho’s starting XI. Therefore, Chelsea are asking at least €40 million to start a possible negotiation for the Brazil international.

It seems like a bit inflated, but in reality if the deal is made for that price, it could end up being a bargain for Los Blancos. Considering the experience and the track record of Ramires and the fact that Real Madrid already paid almost €30 million for Illarra, paying only €10 million more for a much better player might end up being a steal in the market.

Since the midfielder is owned by Chelsea, however, the ball is on their part of the field now. The possibility of a deal is directly connected to their will to negotiate.

Juan Pablo Aravena is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jparavenarant or add him to your network on Google