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Mauricio Pochettino has some big decisions to make in the January transfer window with Chelsea looking to improve their squad for the remainder of the Premier League season
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After three manic transfer windows on the bounce, some may predict Chelsea to take part in another chaotic period this month. The Blues, though, while wanting to improve their squad, are set for a calmer window than we have seen previously under the ownership of Todd Boehly.
More than £1billion has been spent on new signings in the past three transfer windows and while the club want to add to their squad this month, it is not expected to be as manic. There are a few positions being looked at; namely the centre of defence and striker.
With all of this being said, football.london’s Bobby Vincent and Tom Coley have revealed what they would do if they were managing Chelsea. It’s easier said than done, mind.
A new striker
It is no secret that Chelsea is after a new centre-forward. And it is certainly no secret that Ivan Toney from Brentford is one of the numerous names being looked at.
Brentford, though, will not sell their star striker cheap. Toney will return this month after a lengthy suspension after breaching the Premier League’s betting rules. So there is a chance that he could be rusty upon his return.
However, Toney has shown on numerous occasions beforehand that he is a proven goalscorer at this level. In many regards, he is an old-school No.9 – a real rarity nowadays.
Nicolas Jackson goes to the Africa Cup of Nations very soon, so Mauricio Pochettino will be without his services for however long Senegal – who are the bookies’ favourites to win the competition once again – are in the tournament. Armando Broja has not been able to produce any sort of real form since returning from his long-term injury, so bringing in a new centre-forward this month should definitely be looked at.
Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice is one of the main options for adding to their pool of centre-backs. Todibo represents an exciting option for the Blues, who are looking towards the future with Trevoh Chalobah set to leave and Thiago Silva’s time at the club uncertain.
Chelsea should not even consider selling Conor Gallagher either. There is strong speculation over the England international’s future at Stamford Bridge with Tottenham said to be interested. But Gallagher has been the Blues’ best midfielder so far this season.
He has been captain for a lot of this season and he has led the team well. Selling him to Spurs would be the wrong move.
Pick a defence
One of Pochettino’s troubles this season has been deciding on a go-to backline. Partially dictated to by the loss of Ben Chilwell and Reece James through injury – even Benoit Badiashile took a while to reach full fitness whilst Malo Gusto is in and out, Axel Disasi is still getting used to the club and league – that needs to change in the second half of the season.
Levi Colwill is not a left-back and will say as much himself. He has performed admirably throughout much of this season but does certainly limit the side when moving forward. To add to this, he also has so much to offer from centre-back with his passing that the angles are also lost.
Although Pochettino likes a lop-sided, asymmetrical shape with one full-back bombing on and the other narrowing up, Colwill just is not the optimal choice here. Unfortunately, until Chilwell is fit there’s no sign of change but in the middle there can be.
If Chelsea are to move on from Thiago Silva it is surely best to try and slowly move into that integration period now. Badiashile’s recent slip ups have been the exception rather than the norm for his Chelsea career so far and Disasi has proved good enough to at least be a place-holding until Colwill can come central or Wesley Fofana is back.
Sort the defence out consistently and the midfield will be able to thrive more. That being said it doesn’t need me to reiterate that Gallagher cannot be sold. Elsewhere I would also love to see more of Alfie Gilchrist and perhaps some genuine appearances – maybe to come in the cups – for Cobham’s talent.
Josh Acheampong, Somto Boniface, Josh Brooking, Leo Castledine and Kiano Dyer amongst others would be good value for a shot at things. It’d be nice to see them getting involved after the tough few years that Cobham has had.
