Chelsea only have a few days to recharge their batteries before they’re back in action. After locking horns with Tottenham at Stamford Bridge, on Thursday night, the Blues will face another London side in Brentford at the G-Tech Community Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Enzo Maresca’s side stormed past the Bees when they last met in December, winning 2-1 owing to strikes from Marc Cucurella and Nicolas Jackson. Despite Chelsea’s dominance, they couldn’t keep a clean-sheet – with Bryan Mbeumo netting a late consolation goal.
While the Blues may fancy their chances, Thomas Frank has some big hitters who could upset the apple cart. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Chelsea news and transfer gossip;
Chelsea given bold transfer suggestion
Discussing Chelsea’s transfer strategy, Joe Cole told TNT Sports: “I’ve had discussions with people at the club and they want to get young players in, they want to buy potential and develop them.
“You can get your head around the financial model. But they also need some experience in there for two or three players to help the younger guys and to show them the ropes.
“That’s the only way those younger players will reach their potential,” added the ex-Chelsea midfielder. “Someone like Danny Welbeck. It would’ve been insane to sign him at 33 or 34 – but he’s scored more goals than any Chelsea centre-forward.
“On the pitch, technically, it would’ve worked. Him as a player who has done it all, as a good lad who can set the culture, that’s someone who springs off the top of my mind.”
football.london says: “I agree with Joe Cole, and the foundation of his argument, but I don’t think Danny Welbeck would’ve worked at Chelsea. At Brighton, he’s featured 23 times in the Premier League this season, with 17 of which being starts and 1,500 minutes under his belt.
“He wouldn’t played nearly as much at Stamford Bridge. Yes, the Blues could’ve done with a third striker this term. But, at the end of the day, the timing of the injuries to Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu was just unfortunate.“
Chelsea get transfer wake-up call by rivals
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Andrea Berta, the new sporting director at Arsenal, recently met with Nico Williams’ representatives to discuss a transfer to the Emirates Stadium. The Athletic Bilbao winger has been heavily linked with a switch to Premier League for a while now as he continues to impress in La Liga.
Meanwhile, 90min argue Barcelona and Chelsea also hold a long-standing interest in Williams – who has a €58m (£48.4m) release clause in his contract. Meanwhile, it’s said that Bayern Munich have reportedly pulled out of the race for his signature.
football.london says: “Arsenal appear to be leading the race for Nico Williams. Andre Berta, a man the Gunners only recently appointed, has wasted no time in his new role as sporting director at the Emirates Stadium. Chelsea have been given a wake-up call. If the Blues are serious about signing the Bilbao star, then they must act quickly.”
Chelsea face harsh reality of transfer plan
Speaking to Football Insider, Mick Brown has warned Chelsea that Nottingham Forest have no intention of selling Murillo this summer. The former Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers chief scout said: “Where Forest are now is the perfect situation for these players to be in.
“So it begs the question – why would you want to throw it away along with the possibility of playing Champions League football with Forest next season? That’s what their manager, and their board, will be saying to the likes of Murillo over the summer.
“They’re going to do everything they can to keep him alongside the likes of [Morgan] Gibbs-White – regardless of interest from clubs like Chelsea. It’s not an easy decision for the player to leave either, so I think they’ll be hopeful.”
football.london says: “I agree with Mick Brown. If Nottingham Forest can secure Champions League qualification then they’ll be in a great position in the summer transfer window. Unless Chelsea also finish in the top-four places, they don’t stand a stance in the race for Murillo’s signature. That’s the harsh reality.”
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- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
