Winter and summer. These are arguably the two most exciting moments of the year for Chelsea. Twelfth in the Premier League, the Blues have fallen back into their ways for a few weeks after showing their best face against the big guys: Arsenal (2-2), Tottenham (1-4), Manchester City (4-4) even Brighton (3- 2). The Blues even lost last weekend at Goodison Park (0-2) and will have to recover against Sheffield this Saturday at 4 p.m.
For this, the London club will be able to slightly count on the return of Christopher Nkunku, who should be present in the group, he who has not played a single official meeting since his arrival. With French therefore, but without many elements too. In total, around ten more absentees to report, including Reece James, Robert Sanchez, Noni Madueke and Wesley Fofana. Far too much to hope to find any semblance of continuity. So, the Blues intend to work hard, starting this winter, to strengthen themselves.
Two recruits at 50 million euros?
Obviously cursed, Mauricio Pochettino’s men lost Robert Sanchez against Everton, who was injured. The Spanish goalkeeper, who had a completely decent start to the season, will be replaced by Djordje Petrovic in goal, recruited at the end of the summer to compensate for the hasty departure of Kepa to Real Madrid in particular. But Chelsea want to strike hard and could try to revive Aaron Ramsdale, who is going through a period that has become unbearable at the dawn of Euro 2024.
According to several English media, including Daily Mail, the Blues’ interest in the Gunners goalkeeper has greatly intensified with the injury of Robert Sanchez. This summer, Todd Boehly and his team had already inquired about the former Bournemouth player, but with the competition named David Raya and his starving playing time (450 minutes in the Premier League), Ramdsale could finally be released from Arsenal . A release not given. Estimated at 32 million euros by the specialized site Transfermarktthe South Londoners will probably have to write a check for 50 million euros to manage to enlist the English goalkeeper who is only 25 years old, according to information from across the Channel.
Chelsea wants to dig into Serie A
A goalkeeper, then, but not only that. Chelsea are playing on all fronts and are examining the market for central defenders. The Sun reports that the Blues are watching Alessandro Buongiorno very closely. At 24, the Italian is the defensive rock of Torino (11th in Serie A). A name that is not very flashy on paper, like Jonathan Tah who is also being tracked by the London club, but which seems obvious for the English board which must prepare for the future with the probable departure of Thiago Silva at the end of the season. Without forgetting that in defense, injuries are felt. Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella, Ben Chilwell and Reece James are unavailable.
Alessandro Buongiorno, capable of playing on the left, has an interesting profile, which therefore increases his market value. The Sun explains that Torino would expect at least 35 million euros. A figure which would rise considerably if Chelsea took a position on the file, especially since the Italian club has already refused offers a few weeks ago from Serie A ogres. The targets are multiplying and piling up in the spans of Stamford Bridge, while Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney have obviously been strongly mentioned for several months for the attack.
Chelsea must sell to buy
“We have to talk and try to improve in the next transfer market… if we are not aggressive enough we have to analyze and do something with the owner. I won’t say if I’ll ask for more or fewer players, but to see if perception matches reality. Maybe we need to improve our reality”said Mauricio Pochettino after defeat against Everton last Sunday. “If we want to progress, it’s not just about playing well, it’s about being harder on ourselves. We will push the players, the players must push themselves. (…) And when the transfer window opens, we will see what we can do.” The plan is clear: Chelsea will once again liven up the winter transfer window. And not just in the direction of arrivals.
In recent days, several names have been circulating through rumors of departures. The Blues want to sell. They would be ready, depending The Mirror, listening to the offers for Ian Maatsen. Noni Madueke, strangely shelved by Pochettino could also pack his bags on loan, just like Malang Sarr. Armando Broja is of interest to several clubs, Marc Cucurella too, without forgetting that the sale of Connor Gallagher – despite being efficient and captain in the absence of James and Chilwell – would represent a significant sum for the residents of Stamford Bridge. Todd Boehly knows that recruiting will not happen without downsizing worthy of the name. Winter promises to be rough, for a change.
