Chelsea transfer thoughts

Friday, 06/01/2012

by Joshua Block, Shoot's Chelsea blogger

Having arrived at the midway point of the season, it means it’s that time again, the January transfer window is now open and the transfer rumour mills are going into overload throughout world football.

Chelsea are no strangers to spending a few pennies around this time of year, with notable mid-season arrivals over recent seasons including Branislav Ivanovic, Fernando Torres, David Luiz and Nicolas Anelka.

If reports are to be believed, Roman Abramovich would be willing to shell out as much as £140m in order to aid manager Andre Villas-Boas’ overhaul of his aging and highly-paid squad. It is thought that by getting rid of the likes of Anelka, Alex and possibly Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Paulo Ferreira and Florent Malouda off the wage bill, there will be more room for younger prospects at the club.

So far, AVB’s recruits have been largely impressive. Juan Mata has arguably been Chelsea’s player of the season so far, while Oriol Romeu has ousted Jon Obi Mikel from his solid yet unspectacular holding midfield role and Raul Meireles has added some technical genius alongside Ramires.

What’s more, Daniel Sturridge has been given the chance to flourish and has rewarded the young manager’s faith by easily outscoring his fellow strikers.

However, one area that will need the most strengthening is defence, where David Luiz’ enthusiasm and José Bosingwa’s lack of tracking back can often leave John Terry and Ashley Cole in the lurch when it comes to opposition counter-attacks. Too many times this season at Stamford Bridge, the Blues have thrown away games they have dominated to draw or lose because the defence is caught out far too easily.

The transfer of Bolton’s Gary Cahill could help (if personal terms are agreed) as the communication with Terry and Cole would be easier and his technical skills coupled with his aerial ability has shades of Ricardo Carvalho, Terry’s most successful defensive partner. Right back is another problem position that could be solved by either a new arrival in the form of Marseille’s highly-rated Cesar Azpilicueta, Porto’s Alvaro Pereira or Ivanovic permanently moving to the right of Terry and his partner.

In terms of strikers, Napoli’s Edinson Cavani (pictured), Porto’s Hulk and Real Madrid’s Gonzálo Higuaín have all been mooted but this is the area least likely to be strengthened as a lot of the big stars available would be cup-tied for the Champion’s League. Business between Chelsea and Napoli for either Marek Hamsik or Cavani is unlikely considering the European ties to be played between the two next month.

With Torres, Sturridge and Romelu Lukaku, AVB may feel that he could wait for Drogba’s return from Africa and stick with his current array of attacking talent or opt for some wingers that can also play in attack. Of course, Santos’ Neymar will be high on the list for a move to Europe and possibly Juventus’ out-of-favour Milos Krasic.

The impending return of Michael Essien will be welcome in the Blues’ midfield but it could still benefit from another creative addition such as Kaká, Hamsik or Luka Modric, all of which would be very surprising deals to pull off in the middle of the season. Josh McEachran and Gael Kakuta should look to follow in Sturridge’s footsteps while he was at Bolton should loan deals be set up for the pair this month.

With the tricky festive period behind us, AVB will be hoping that the Blues’ unpredictable form can settle into a run of wins to catch up with the top three and take advantage of their slip-ups, with or without new faces.

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