In the last couple of days, Chelsea have been heavily linked with three exciting transfer targets. Here we take a look at the proposed arrivals and discuss how they could fit into Mourinho’s plans.
John Stones
Yesterday, in an interview with Sky Sports, Jose Mourinho admitted Chelsea have lodged a bid for Everton’s John Stones.
We made a bid because we like the player, we don’t make bids for players we don’t like – but I respect Everton. It’s up to them – everything is in their hands.
Despite the negative reaction from Roberto Martinez regarding Chelsea’s courting of the young centre back, Stones is expected to join the West Londoners in the next couple of weeks as a long-term replacement for John Terry.
Fortunately, the Blues didn’t suffer many long-term injuries in defensive positions last season but historically, Mourinho has insisted on having two players for every position in case of emergencies.
Terry and Cahill are currently immovable at the heart of Chelsea’s defence, but it’s exciting to see Chelsea thinking about the future and investing in the best young players like Zouma and Stones as cover.
Paul Pogba
In the same interview, Mourinho was surprisingly open regarding his admiration for Paul Pogba but also admitted that Chelsea aren’t currently in a position to sign the French midfielder.
“Pogba is one of the top players in the world. Pogba goes to any team and improves that team automatically. If he stays at Juventus, Juventus will be very strong again. If he goes somewhere else he will improve immediately a team.”
I think everybody has an interest in Pogba. But there are things you can do and things you cannot do.
Pogba has developed at an incredible rate since he left Manchester United and as a result, he is coveted by every top club in world football. It is understood that his exorbitant transfer value and huge wage demands are the primary sticking points, even for the wealthiest clubs in Europe.
Pogba is one of a small number of players who would walk straight into the Chelsea first team, and while a deal for him is clearly not currently possible, the seeds have been sewn for a potential deal in the near future, possibly involving Oscar going the other way next summer.
Alex Witsel
Chelsea have been loosely linked with Alex Witsel numerous times in recent years but their interest seems to have gained momentum in the last few days, with Roman Abramovic rumoured to have flown out to meet the Belgian’s representatives in order to clinch the deal.
Witsel is a dynamic, cultured player who would bring extra bite and craft to Chelsea’s midfield. In games where they need to mix things up, he would add some extra pace and versatility without compromising the metronomic rhythm Chelsea usually aim to impose.
Witsel would also provide strong competition for Fabregas and Matic in defensive midfield, which would help to keep things fresh and prevent fatigue in a key area.
A proposed move to Milan fell through in the last week, leaving Chelsea in pole position to capture his signature.
What do you think of Pogba, Stones and Witsel? Leave a comment below.
