Has the transfer merry-go-round begun at Stamford Bridge?

In South West London, the transfers windows are always a period of extreme movement at Stamford Bridge. Thanks to the wealth that Roman Abramovich has injected into Chelsea since his takeover in 2003, the Blues have been constantly splashing out the cash to secure Europe’s greatest talent, often at severely inflated fees. This winter transfer window seems to be no different, with rumours circulating throughout the club’s squad.

Midfield exchanges

Cesc Fàbregas seemingly imminent departure looks to be orchestrating a midfield scramble. The Spaniard is set to join Thierry Henry’s Monaco, however, Maurizio Sarri has only sanctioned the move on the assumption that Chelsea can find a suitable replacement, with Fàbregas still deemed to be a key player for the Blues. Chelsea already seem to have found the 31-year-old’s replacement though, with both of Cagliari and Argentine Leandro Paredes both expected to move to Stamford Bridge, potentially as early as later on this week.

The double midfield arrival has plunged the long-term future of Real Madrid loanee Mateo Kovačić, the Croatian has enjoyed a solid debut season at Stamford Bridge and is already a fan favourite due to his hard-working approach and tidy link up play. However, there is a fear that Real Madrid may use Kovačić has a makeweight in their long-term approach for winger Eden Hazard. Should Chelsea wish to turn Kovačić’s loan permanent, it is likely that Madrid would use this to their advantage in their pursuit for the Belgian. But, if Chelsea were to preemptively sign adequate replacements, there would be no need for them to keep hold of Kovačić, keeping the advantage in their corner.

A striker dilemma at Stamford Bridge

Álvaro Morata has endured a mixed career at Stamford Bridge, to say the least. There have been some memorable performances and matches winning goals (that header against Man Utd), but performances on the whole have been largely disappointing and the Spaniard has often appeared devoid of confidence and longing for a move away. This window, he has been continually linked with the likes of A.C. Milan and Sevilla, and a transfer is increasingly looking like a realistic probability.

There have been numerous names linked with replacing the 29-year-old, with the common offenders Edinson Cavani, Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski all recently touted as a potential replacement. However, one name currently doing the rounds is the Portuguese man, who currently plays for Sevilla. A swap deal for Morata has been discussed, and it is a move that could suit all parties.

An Italian job at right-back

In the Blues’ defence, back-up right-back Davide Zappacosta looks set to be returning to his native Italy, after only 18 months in England, and one Premier League appearance thus far this season. Zappacosta has failed to challenge César Azpilicueta at the right of Sarri’s defence, and Chelsea have been said to have accepted a £13million bid from Lazio. This would result in an approximate £10million loss for the Blues, and is surely an attempt to cut their losses on the Italian.

However, one man’s departure can lead to another’s opportunity, with Elseid Hysaj of Sarri’s former team, Napoli, heavily linked with a move to the Blues. The Albanian is seen as the perfect replacement of Zappacosta, combining a perfect combination of speed, ability and tenacity. Atlético Madrid are also said to be linked to the right back, which could be a problem for any potential move to Stamford Bridge.

Regardless of what eventually transpires, it promises to be a hectic and crazy  January for the Blues. There are likely to be numerous incomings and outgoings, and the squad come the start of February could look very different.

Featured image credit: “London: Stamford Bridge Stadium” (CC BY-NC 2.0) by kevin.hackert