HITC Sport takes a look at the good, the bad and the ugly transfer rumours and speculation surrounding Chelsea this January.
With the January transfer window now open, Chelsea have begun to be linked with a number of moves already this month.
As the club look to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League, many Chelsea fans will be hoping to see Antonio Conte strengthen his team further, and splash the cash which Chairman, Roman Abramovich, readily supplies.
With this in mind, we’ve decided to take a look at some of the realistic, speculative and ridiculous names being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte
The Realistic
With their change to a fluid 3-5-2 formation under Antonio Conte, Chelsea have found themselves in need of wing-backs; a position they have not necessarily needed to recruit for before. So far this season, Chelsea have utilised Victor Moses, who has been previously out of favour at Chelsea, as a right-wing back. Despite this not being his natural position, Moses has impressed many this season, matching the performances of Marco Alonso, Chelsea’s new signing and natural left-wing back. However, considering Moses’ tendencies to play as a winger, it’s not surprise to see the Blues linked with a move for West Ham wide man, Michail Antonio by the Telegraph, as well as a move for Napoli full-back, Faouzi Ghoulam by the London Evening Standard.
West Ham United’s Michail Antonio
The Speculative
Despite the signing of midfield enforcer, N’Golo Kante, Antonio Conte is reportdely looking for another battler for the centre of his team. According to reports in The Sun, Conte is seeking a reunion with former Juventus defensive midfielder, Arturo Vidal, who is now playing his trade at Bayern Munich. The Independent has also reported that Chelsea are in talks to sign Atlanta midfielder, Franck Kessie, despite having to lose the player to the Africa Cup of Nations. Though both these signings are certainly within Chelsea’s remit, the club currently has a wealth of excellent central midfielders, including Kante, Matic, Fabregas and Chalobah, so any incomings in this position would likely need to be completed with outgoings.
Arturo Vidal (R) playing for Chile
The Ridiculous
Undoubtedly, Chelsea have been one of the best teams defensively this season in the Premier League. After bringing in the likes of Marcos Alonso and David Luiz for big money, as well as having a multitude of versatile defensive players such as Azpilicueta, John Terry, Zouma and Ivanovic, Chelsea are arguably the best equipped team in the league defensively. However, the Daily Star are reporting that Conte is preparing an enormous £60 million move for Southampton defender, Virgil Van Dijk. With the race for Van Dijk hotting up amongst a number of clubs, and Chelsea’s already impressive defensive recruitments, this one is looking pretty unlikely.
Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk
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