Football. ua analyzed who can strengthen London's Chelsea during the winter transfer window.
It's no secret that in the current season, Chelsea surrendered positions compared with the previous. Despite the fact that according to the version of the "blue" leadership the composition is competitive for appearances in the English Premier League and the Champions League, in reality everything is different. With the naked eye, it is clear that Chelsea need strengthening, and in this article we will analyze who could strengthen the club during the January transfer window.
Virgil Van Dijk, defender (Southampton) Last summer there were specific rumors, in particular, the publication of The Telegraph reported that Van Dyck - the priority goal of Chelsea's mentor Antonio Comte. However, the transfer did not take place, and the "blue" found an alternative in the person of Antonio Rudiger from Roma.
Despite the fact that the Dutch centerback filed a petition for a transfer, and even refused to train with the main team, he was never sold. "Saints" whether or not really wanted to sell Van Dyke (according to one information), or they wanted for him an impressive amount of 70 million pounds (according to other information).
Well, the option is not excluded that David Luis will leave Chelsea, which means that the Brazilian needs a replacement. The composition of the London team does not already have the necessary depth, and it is possible that in January the "blue" will again try to get Van Dyck. This will be extremely difficult, given that Southampton does not intend to part with the player, but the purchase of the Dutch would have made Antonio Conte happy, who is clearly upset by the summer transfer campaign.
The probability of a transfer in January: 3 out of 10.
Alex Sandro, left fullback (Juventus) All past transfer window Chelsea chasing Alex Sandro. In this story there are a lot of oddities: according to rumors, the "blue" made one sentence to Juventus, and "just about" had to make the second, or even the third, but, apparently, the case to the second sentence never came. Then Leonardo Bonucci moved to Milan, and to lose the two key defenders in one transfer window, the Turin club clearly did not want. As a result, Chelsea failed to get a Brazilian, but a new contract with the "bianconeri" Alex Sandro never signed.
According to The Telegraph, Chelsea will again try to sign Sandro in the winter transfer window, with Juventus expected to be more compliant, as the 26-year-old is unhappy with his position in Turin and is ready to leave the club.
But as not one thing, so another: now the "blue" will have a serious competitor in the face of Manchester United and possibly Manchester City.
It can not be said that Marcos Alonso does not perform well at the position of fulbek, but the Spaniard is clearly not hurt by a serious competitor, and it is important to remember the rotation. In addition, do not forget the fact that Alex Sandro - the desire of Antonio Conte, and the Brazilian, along with Romel Lukak and Virgil Van Dyke, were considered ideal reinforcements for the struggle on several fronts.
Probability of transfer in January: 5/10.
Riyad Marez, winger (Leicester City) Algerian winger Lester Riyad Marez is no longer the first transfer window trying to leave the "fox" in search of the TOP club, but he still does not succeed in this. It should be noted the professionalism of Marais, who, despite the eagerness to leave Leicester, finds the strength to put his best in every match to the fullest.
In this season, Willian and Pedro surrendered: the Brazilian and the Spaniard are unstable and, according to the subjective opinion of the author, surrendered in speed, activity and dribbling.
In addition, when Chelsea need to play against teams that are mostly defended most of the time - there are problems with goals scored. So, the "blue" was minimal lost to West Ham in the 16th round, which 99% of the time defended on the field, only one goal and then a free kick was scored by Southampton, who likewise chose a defensive tactic for the game. Also, players Chelsea failed to "punch" Jordan Pickford, who saved a draw for Everton.
A possible transfer of Marais to Chelsea would add creativity to the "blue", which at the moment can not be provided by Pedro and Willian. One Eden Azar is not able to create all the keenness at the opponent's gate.
Probability of transfer in January: 4/10.
Christian Benteke, striker (Crystal Palace) The striker is what Conte long ago asked the leadership of Chelsea, but the club still does not want, and can not get the right player for the coach. First, in the summer of 2016, Conte's goal was Graziano Pellet, who ultimately replaced Southampton with Shandong Luneng. Then the Italian specialist asked to buy Romela Lukaku, but the Belgian moved to Manchester United. The cheapest and realistic goal of Conte Fernando Llorente was also missed - the Spaniard continued his career in Tottenham.
Nevertheless, it is clear that if not the ramming striker, then the attacker of even a different plan needs Chelsea. Alvaro Morate, despite a fairly good start, it is difficult to play almost three matches a week, and he needs a breather. In addition, the purchase of the forward would have allowed Conte to try his luck with a scheme in two forwards, especially when it is necessary to play against teams that chose a defensive tactic for the match.
Well, if you believe the rumors, the Italian specialist is personally interested in Bentek, considering the Belgian quite an interesting option. It is not excluded that, if the "blue" still try to get Benteke, in the opposite direction (most likely, on loan) will follow Misha Batshuyi, looking for a game practice before the 2018 World Cup.
According to the author's humble opinion, it is precisely these above-mentioned positions that should, if possible, be strengthened in the winter transfer window - to acquire a central defender, a left fulk, a right winger and a talant striker. Of course, it's very difficult to get almost any player during the January transfer window, but if you want you can achieve your goals, especially considering what a rich calendar will be in mid-February - early March, when Chelsea are facing meetings with Barcelona (twice), Manchester United and Manchester City.
A few more options:.
Ross Barkley, midfielder (Everton) Last summer, Chelsea had the opportunity to sign Barkley, and the deal was on the ointments, but eventually the English attacking midfielder decided to stay in Everton and heal the injury, and only then look for a new club. According to the author of this article, Barkley does not need Chelsea, he is able to strengthen the "blue" only formally, quantitatively. Perhaps this version is followed by Antonio Conte. It's no secret that last summer the leadership of Chelsea banned the Italian from interfering in negotiations with Barkley. Perhaps, just because Conte does not see Ross in his team.
Tom Lemar, midfielder (Monaco) Quite an interesting option, last summer for Lemar was a real slaughter: the French claimed Liverpool and Arsenal, and the last even offered 80 million pounds. Nevertheless, Lemar stayed in the current club.
There are rumors that for Lemar the "blue" are ready to offer either a lease or a full transfer of Misha Batshuya, but it is hard to believe that Monaco will accept an amount that is below the above 80 million.
Leon Bailey, midfielder (Bayer) Jamaican winger has attracted the attention of many clubs, among which were called Chelsea. According to the Daily Mail, by the way, not the most authoritative publication, the "blue" offered Bayer 25 million euros, but the German club refused Bailey's transfer. Perhaps Chelsea will make an attempt to get the ex-player Genk.
Lucas Moura, midfielder (PSG) This season, Lucas Moura is not a frequent PSG guest on the football field. The Brazilian winger had only 5 matches in the French championship, having managed to distinguish himself with one goal and one assists. It is clear that it is difficult to win the competition from Neimar and Kilian Mbappe, for which huge sums were paid, so that 25-year-old Moura could try his luck in another club. It is unlikely that PSG will strongly rest against a good offer.
Wilfrid Zaa, midfielder / forward (Crystal Palace) Almost the only bright spot in the current Crystal Palace. Zaa in the current season played 13 matches in the Premier League, of which 12 - at the position of the center forward.
It is unlikely that Chelsea he was needed as a competitor to Morate, but we all know that on the flank of the Ivorian can likewise play extremely useful and effective.
The optimal composition of Chelsea Football. ua, if the above transfers are made:.
Courtois - Aspilicueta, Christensen, Van Dyke - Moses, Kante, Bakayoko, Alex Sandro - Mares, Morata, Azar.
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