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Chelsea rocked as Real Madrid star rules out summer transfer
CHELSEA have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of Real Madrid playmaker Isco.
Isco rules out summer transfer
Isco has been heavily linked with a move away from Real Madrid this summer after falling out of favour under Zinedine Zidane.
The Spain international has started just 16 of his 26 La Liga games this season, scoring nine goals along the way.
Spanish publication Diario Gol claimed earlier this month that Isco has demanded an £8.5million-a-year salary to remain at Real - a fee Chelsea are prepared to meet.
Isco has fallen out of favour under Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane
But the 24-year-old has played down speculation of a summer move to Stamford Bridge, claiming he is planning to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu for many years to come.
“I've already said many times that I want to stay here for a long time and I hope that is what happens," Isco told Spanish outlet AS.
Antonio Conte wants Isco at Chelsea
"I've always been clear about what I want. I want to stay here a long time and I can't understand why people are so surprised that I want to play more.
"If I didn't believe it, I wouldn't say it."
The Spaniard added: “I'm in the best team in the world, there is no club bigger than Real Madrid and I feel very fortunate to be here."