The Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern are hoping their side can deliver between now and the end of the campaign after a rather mixed time of things so far. While the Blues in our bar have been impressed with some of the play, it’s not all been happy families in SW6.
Much to the dismay of the resident Pensioners propping up the bar in the tavern, their club’s Premier League title defence looks all but over after just 22 fixtures. However, it is not quite time for the supporters to drown their sorrows just yet, as they still have three trophies to play for this season.
Last time out in the Premier League, Chelsea were slightly unfortunate to come away from The Emirates Stadium with only a point to show for their efforts after Alvaro Morata missed three glorious opportunities for The Blues.
The supporters in the tavern were lamenting his missed chances in the aftermath of proceedings, and plenty were calling for him to be replaced during the January transfer window.
However, Morata may be facing fresh competition for his place in Chelsea’s starting eleven, as West Ham’s target-man Andy Carroll has emerged as a surprise target for the club according to The Sun.
According to the report, Conte is looking for a back-up striker to provide support for Morata.
With all due respect to Carroll, a move to Chelsea seems like a sideways move for all parties concerned, as Carroll’s desire to play first-team football is unlikely to be met at Stamford Bridge.
As for Chelsea, they will never reach the level that is required to challenge Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League, unless they attempt to bring players to the club who are of a much higher calibre than Carroll.
And Conte will need to strengthen his side across a variety of positions, not just up-front.
With that being said, here are two other players Conte should look to bring to Stamford Bridge this month…
Christian Pulisic
Now that rumours are beginning to circulate regarding the potential departure of Eden Hazard, Chelsea should be in the market for some form of replacement.
If Conte wants to land a replacement for the future, then he should look no further than Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Christian Pulisic.
At the age of just 19, Pulisic has already been capped 20 times by the USA national team, scoring 9 goals in the process.
His stock has slowly begun to rise in recent months due to his impressive performances out wide for Dortmund, so Abramovich should get his chequebook out and bring him to West London before Europe’s heavyweights come calling.
Luke Shaw
Despite the fact that Manchester United outcast Luke Shaw has enjoyed a run of games in The Red Devils starting eleven of late, it seems that Jose Mourinho is in the market for a replacement this month.
Once upon a time, Shaw was touted to be the next Ashley Cole and a future England star, but a combination of injuries and subsequent struggle to break into the first-team have seen his development stunted in recent years.
However, his performances during the last few weeks suggest that he has plenty to offer the Premier League within the right set-up.
Shaw will need to continue building his fitness levels if he is to succeed in a wing-back role at Chelsea, but if he adopts the right attitude, he should have no problem becoming a massive hit in the seasons to come at Stamford Bridge.
