Will this be Chelsea’s busiest January window in years?
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is no stranger to opening his chequebook for the benefit of his beloved Chelsea, having spent over £600 million since his arrival at Stamford Bridge in 2003. After having their ‘stay’ on the recent Gael Kakuta transfer ban granted by FIFA, Chelsea may look to spend big in the January transfer window, however as a Chelsea fan myself I’m not totally convinced this would be the best strategy.
Chelsea previously spent big in January, having splashed out £15 million to Bolton Wanderers for the signature of Nicolas Anelka in January of last year, however this was very much a squad strengthening signing. This therein lays the fundamental decision for Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti. In light of the transfer stay, does Ancelotti look to strengthen his current Chelsea squad with one or two purchases, or plan for a future possible ban by introducing a host of signings?
The London club currently lead the title race and undoubtedly have the strongest squad in the Premier League with high quality back-up in almost every position. However as other Premiership managers have been quick to point out, Chelsea have many players the wrong side of 30 and also have the African Cup of Nations to contend with in January.
Since the arrival of the Russian billionaire in 2003, Chelsea have been the fulcrum of many transfer rumours – a situation that has not changed. Currently being linked to moves to West London are the likes of Franck Ribery, Ángel Di Maria and Atlético Madrid’s Argentian striker Sergio Aguero. The question arises of whether Ancelotti will be able to accommodate these names into a squad already full of individuals whom consider themselves indispensible to the club.
Ancelotti does need to strengthen the Chelsea squad come January due to the impact of winter injuries as well as the African Cup of Nations, however in my opinion he must not hit the panic button. The Blues are in need of another top quality striker as Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou will be absent and Nicholas Anelka should not be burdened with the task of providing Chelsea will all their goals. In addition to this a flamboyant young winger would also be a valued addition to the squad as Chelsea have occasionally been criticised of being too narrow, lacking energy and width. Ancelotti must however be wary of signing a big name who may be cup tied for the Champions League as the Chelsea manager has stated this is Chelsea’s main goal this season. Chelsea will have more chance of success by keeping the foundations of their already successful squad and not redesigning it.
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I think Ribery would be too expensive a target for Chelsea to consider, Abrahamovic has been less willing to splash out drastically over the last few years and Bayern are demanding a massive fee for Ribery. Like you say, someone who’s not cup-tied for the Champion’s League is essential even though the Cup of Nations will be over by then. Chelsea wouldn’t do badly to sign one of the top players from a smaller team. I feel that James Milner is hugely underrated and would do well at a big club, he wouldn’t cost too much and could be a great signing for Chelsea if they were interested
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Hamsik may be available and is eligible to play in the Champions League. He could also be a long-term replacement for Lampard.
Also with Atletico Madrid unlikely to qualify for the Champions League next year, Aguero may be available if they need the money. Would be great to see him in the Premiership. And Carlton Cole could provide good cover for Drogba.
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The Spanish market may well be one that Chelsea are interested in. Aguero is bound to have caught their eye following the recent Champions League match, but with Valencia in finacial trouble is Villa not an attractive prospect?
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Being cup tied is a big issue, if we aim to win the competition we will need to strengthen with players that can play in it.
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