When it was first suggested, in The Independent before its later removal, that AVB was looking to “comprehensively overhaul” his Chelsea squad, the article was rubbished and the writer slain. However, ever since, the story has gathered weight and Anelka and Alex’s transfer requests and consequent listings have continued to allow the debate over who is heading in and out of Stamford Bridge to snowball.
Supposedly, The Blues are to renovate their first team mid-season, in an attempt to at least secure Champions League football again next season and put up as much of a challenge for the title as possible. Among the names being chucked about as possible departures, are presumed African Cup of Nations participants, Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou. It’s already been well accounted for that Didier Drogba is not having the best of seasons and I have been one of his harsher critics, pointing out his lacklustre return this season, which is dwarfed by hopeful England international, Daniel Sturridge.
While flogging Drogba in January may well be smart business with his contract up in the summer, there are two obstacles to factor in. Firstly, he hasn’t stated any intent to go, in fact it’s quite the opposite, “I always said that I will honour my contract with Chelsea until the very end,” and secondly, also applying to Kalou, is the question of ease: how easy will it be to sell with the players away on international duty and with Drogba being available on a free transfer a few months later. Some speculation has arisen over moves to Anzhi and L.A Galaxy though, as well as Tottenham being linked to the Ivorian.
While the focus is on who is leaving in January, for the rejuvenation to take place, Chelsea will have to bring in players of suitable quality, ready to make an instant impact. Luis Suarez did it last year for Liverpool and AVB will hope to find his catalyst for a second-half push up the table.
Danijel Pranjic
At 30 years old, this possible signing may well contradict the concept of rebuilding a team that can grow together over years under steady and consistent guidance. However, for every few young and inexperienced players, an older and more experienced player is needed for tutelage. This signing wouldn’t be purely instrumental though; the Croatian international plugs a gap that Chelsea have been reliant on ever since Makelele had it branded as his own.
Michael Essien has efficiently slotted into the Makelele role, which shields the defence so well, enabling Cole and formerly Bosingwa to bombard the flanks; however, in his injury-inflicted absence, Chelsea have been punished. Terry’s slip against Arsenal to gift Robin Van Persie the easiest of goals emphasised their lack of a deep-lying ball player. Had Essien been there, Terry wouldn’t have been and the Ghanaian would’ve instigated a Chelsea attack rather than an Arsenal goal. Pranjic could prove to be the spur for players such as Mata to thrive off of in the second half of the campaign.
Eduardo Vargas
The South American could be Chelsea’s Javier Hernandez. He has the attributes; diminutive, pacey and a real goal poacher. Therefore, it is no real surprise that he has been touted as Nicolas Anelka’s successor, as he confirmed he shall be leaving in January. The Chilean 22-year old, currently plying his trade at Chile’s top team Universidad de Chile, has been nominated for the South American Player of the Year Award, having enjoyed a fruitful season in front of goal, netting on average a goal every other game, with 16 from 32. The accolade is quite an achievement, considering he is competing against players of Brazil and Argentina among others. Last year, wonder kid Neymar finished third. The rumoured asking price for this young striker is £10m. Would Abramovich provide the financial muscle to see off competitors for his signature, supposedly including Liverpool?
Lazar Markovic
One possible transfer target with real, rather than speculative, strength to it is this Serbian 17-year old. Whilst I attach a certain amount of gravitas to the possibility of this right winger coming to Chelsea, I hasten to add it comes because of Markovic’s apparent love of Chelsea F.C and an openness to negotiations, while other possible targets may be as unaware of a transfer as indeed Chelsea may be. “I had all the pictures of the team on my wall when they had Gianfranco Zola,” said the 17-year old selling himself as best as he can, “Chelsea is the place I want to play.” Having a £10m price tag slapped on him, much like Vargas, may deter any interested parties from bidding. He isn’t even 18 yet and with Romelu Lukaku already occupying the token young player spot on the bench, I doubt whether Markovic would be worth his weight in gold, at least not immediately and immediacy is the conundrum.