As Chelsea`s transfer window stutters along to it`s inevitable conclusion at the end of the month, the conjecture continues. The same names are still being linked but the signatures are yet to gained. One the more reliable sources concerning Chelsea, has had his say
Matt Law in The Telegraph says that Anotnio Conte has been reassured that Chelsea will sanction three more signings before the window closes. We all know the areas that need strengthening?…everywhere.
If we focus on the realistic targets, the ones likely to get over the line, and the ones Conte is believed to want. Law cites three names in particular. No surprises though.
Serge Aurier the PSG right-back Manchester United are believed to be after, is on the list. Aurier has had discipline issues in France and is awaiting an appeal result following a conviction for assaulting a police officer in Paris. His move to the UK depends on that outcome. The 24 year old is currently valued at £13.50m on Transfermarkt and has 2 years remaining on his current contract.
Virgil Van Dijk, the referenced Telegraph article believes Chelsea are in with a chance of signing the Dutchman for a couple of reasons. Van Dijk has submitted a transfer request with his club Southampton, so he`s off. Although his preferred club is Liverpool, the Saints may be reluctant to do business with the Merseyside outfit. Earlier in the window, Southampton were not happy with Liverpool`s heavy handed approach for the centre back.
The 26 year old released a statement via his management company,
“It is with regret that I can confirm that I have handed in a transfer request to leave Southampton Football Club. I am incredibly ambitious and want to achieve as much as I possibly can to fulfil my potential in what is a very short career as a professional footballer. I want to play European football again and challenge for major honours and as such I would like Southampton to consider the interest in me from top clubs should it still exist.”
On Transfermarkt value him at £27m.
The article suggests the third arrival will be in midfield and you can take you pick from Danny Drinkwater aged 27 and valued at £8.10m. He has 4 years left on his current contract with Leicester City. Ross Barkley aged 23 and valued at £22.50m. He is into the final year of his current contract at Everton and has stated his desire to move on. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain aged 23 and valued at £19.80m. He is into his final year of his contract at Arsenal. Although Arsene Wenger may be willing to just let that run down.Antonio Candreva aged 30 and valued at £18m. He has 3 years remaining on his current contract with Inter Milan.
The numbers given in terms of value appear to vastly underestimate the amount their respective clubs believe them to be worth. Chelsea can expect to pay at least double those figures if they hope to land any of them in the current market.
Whilst new signings in these position would be welcomed, the area of the field that surely needs addressing as a priority, is that of striker. With Costa as good as gone and Alvaro Morata not yet up to speed, a lot will fall on Michy Batshuayi`s shoulders. Likeable as he is, I`m not sure his shoulders are strong enough.
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