The Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern knew that the transfer of Danny Drinkwater to Chelsea was a mistake, but they were prepared to give the Englishman the benefit of the doubt.
He was, after all, a former Premier League winner, and so it only made sense that he would move up to the reigning Premier League champions.
However, it has gone as most fans had expected so far, with the Englishman failing to make an impact at Stamford Bridge. Rarely given a chance by Antonio Conte, and often unavailable through injury, it’s fair to say that his tenure could have been much better.
It doesn’t appear as though there is going to be much time to turn things around, either, at least according to the Guardian. The Guardian are reporting that the Englishman is considering his future at Chelsea due to a lack of game time.
As a result, a departure this summer is looking like a very real possibility.
Whilst not a key member of the team, he does have a role to play, and he has made 22 appearances this season, so he will need to be replaced.
Antonio Conte, then, should consider 1 of these 2 options as he looks to replace him if he leaves…
The Return of Ruben Loftus-Cheek
This is the obvious choice for Chelsea, but in the past, it’s one that they’ve failed to look at.
Chelsea’s loan system is filled with talent, and Loftus-Cheek is up there with the best of them.
He has proven with Crystal Palace this season that he’s good enough for the Premier League, and the Englishman simply needs to get a chance at Stamford Bridge.
With Drinkwater potentially leaving, this is a natural, and economic, replacement.
Ruben Neves
A move for Ruben Neves would be a bit out of the blue, and it might be quite difficult, but what a move it would be.
The 21-year-old has set the Championship alight this season for Wolves in what was one of the strangest transfer deals in recent memory. The former Porto captain left sunny mainland Europe for the second-tier of English football – but it has certainly worked out for him.
He’s been one of the stars of the show, offering brilliant quality through the middle of the park.
A move to Chelsea would certainly be a step up, and so he wouldn’t come in and start right away, but his potential is clear – and so a move makes sense.
