The Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern were pleased to see their side safely navigate their way into the quarterfinals of the Caraboa Cup recently.
Antonio Conte chose to rest some of his key players and field an experimental side for his sides clash with Everton at Stamford Bridge last night. His side proved there is plenty of strength in depth within this Chelsea squad, as they produced an accomplished performance to run out 2-1 winners despite a second-half fightback from Everton.
Chelsea took the lead in the first-half courtesy of a fine header at the far-post from Antonio Rudiger after a deep cross from Charly Musonda. Conte’s men had to hold firm in the second half as Everton created chances and went close to equalising on a handful of occasions, but Willian made sure of the victory in added time with a glorious finish that crashed off the inside of the post following some tidy interplay with Cesc Fabregas inside the box. Dominic Calvert-Lewin responded for Everton just moments later but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation goal for the Toffees.
Conte has stirred controversy in the British media recently with complaints regarding the size of his current squad which he claims is too ‘thin’ to cope with their current injury crisis.
The mid-season transfer window may provide the answer to Conte’s problems if owner Roman Abramovich can provide him with the financial backing he desires.
Chelsea invested heavily in fresh acquisitions across the summer, but considering Conte’s recent comments, it would be no surprise if he has already opened discussions concerning January transfer targets with Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo.
Here are three players Conte and Emenalo should have on their radar in January.
Marco Verratti
Fans of Chelsea Football Club know Marco Verratti all too well, after his midfield performances inspired PSG to dump Chelsea out of the Champions League two seasons in a row.
His masterclass at the centre of the midfield during 10 man PSG’s first victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 2015 was simply remarkable and earnt him plenty of plaudits
He demonstrated all the qualities of a complete footballer that evening with his unique ability to effectively influence the game at both ends of the pitch.
Although it would take an astronomical fee to prize the Italian away from Paris, Chelsea should do everything they can to land Veratti in January.
Paulo Dybala
Argentinian forward Paulo Dybala is one of Europe’s hottest properties.
The 23-year-old has started the season in electric form for The Old Lady, with 11 goals to his name already from the opening 10 league games, including a brace against local-rivals Torino in September.
Dybala would bring a new flair, dynamism and plenty of goals to the current Chelsea side in the number 10 role in support of Morata.
With Diego Costa set to leave the club for Atletico Madrid in January, Chelsea should be focusing on bringing a top-class forward to their ranks to fill the void left by Costa.
Ivan Perisic
Inter Milan did incredibly well to keep hold of their industrious winger Ivan Perisic in the summer following months of speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United.
However, it is unlikely that Inter will be able to stave off interest from the Premier League’s top clubs for much longer considering his tremendous ability.
Perisic typically plays as a left winger, but he also has the ability to play through the middle and on the right wing.
Chelsea should be monitoring Perisic’s situation at Inter and look to bring him to the club in January before he potentially agrees a deal to sign for title-rivals United.
