The Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern are feeling pretty good about their prospects this season, but they think that Antonio Conte still has a lot of work to do…
The Italian has come in and led a revolution at Stamford Bridge this season, with the Blues rising to the top of the Premier League table – with an arms length between them and their title rivals.
In truth, Conte has done everything right so far – but as is so often the case at Stamford Bridge, one small mistake could cost him.
January is fast approaching, and with it comes the re-opening of the transfer market in England – and so Conte will undoubtedly be looking towards any potential business he could do in the new year.
One such deal that has cropped up recently surrounds Chelsea midfielder Oscar, who is, according to the Telegraph, the subject of a £60m move from Chinese side Shanghai SIPG, managed by Andre Villas-Boas.
Given how little Oscar has played this season, Conte will undoubtedly be considering accepting the deal – but the Italian must reconsider.
With that said, 2 reasons why Chelsea should definitely not sell Oscar in January…
Shortsightedness
Oscar isn’t the flavour of the month at Chelsea at the moment, and that is a big reason as to why a few of the Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern are behind this deal.
However, it must be noted that Chelsea have often been a club focused on the present – and that simply must change under Conte.
Sure, Oscar isn’t playing right now – but what could happen by January, what could happen by April?
Anything can happen in the Premier League, and to sell Oscar just because he isn’t in the team would not be wise.
What’s more, everyone knows how quickly managers are changed at Stamford Bridge. In fact, Conte was touted with a departure earlier in the season. Just because Conte doesn’t rate Oscar doesn’t mean that the next boss, who will inevitably come in the next few years, won’t rate him.
Selling Oscar now would prove to be a shortsighted decision by Chelsea.
Alternatives
Simply put, Chelsea do not have a single player that is similar to Oscar at Chelsea right now.
He is a tireless, box-to-box attacking midfielder – and he is seriously unique in that sense.
His qualities shine through when you’re chasing a game or defending a lead, and his running has proven to be vital for Chelsea in years gone by.
The 3-4-3 formation is working right now, and Conte might not have a spot for Oscar in that formation – but Chelsea cannot afford to just have 1 system of players. They need a variety.
Oscar is that variety.
