With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, as a consequence of Chelsea’s one-year extension policy for players over the age of 30, Branislav Ivanovic may already be operating on borrowed time.
The Serbian international made it into the PFA Team of the Year last season after contributing five goals and five assists to the Blues’ title bid, but has been a shadow of his former self this term and amongst the biggest culprits behind Chelsea’s woeful defensive record.
Only Sunderland and Bournemouth have conceded more than the west London outfit’s 23 goals in the Premier League, whilst Ivanovic has been dribbled past on eleven occasions already this season – four fewer times than last year in just eight appearances
Rumours of an abrupt departure have already surfaced, with Serie A side Inter Milan emerging as potential suitors.
To some, selling Ivanovic would be seen as a monumental betrayal; the 31 year-old has been a fantastic servant to the club and remains an experienced leader of the dressing room; but his departure would send a message that indifferent form won’t be tolerated under Jose Mourinho.