It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time for Ben Jacobs’ column on our sister site Caughtoffside.
As always it’s full of juicy info, and as always there’s lots of great Chelsea specific stuff in there. It’s been all quiet in January so far, but just like Fabrizio Romano did yesterday, Jacobs predicts “a busy end” to the window for Chelsea.
Top of the list of issues is Armando Broja, with the club now quite intent on selling him at the right price, which is a princely £35m, according to their demands. Jacobs isn’t confident any of the interested parties will pay that, but there’s certainly room for negotiation:
“Chelsea are set for a busy end to the window, especially as far as outgoings are concerned.
Armando Broja is for sale at the right price. It’s understood Chelsea will consider offers of £35m+. For now things are quiet despite interest at differing levels from Fulham, Wolves, West Ham and Aston Villa.”
“One thing the four clubs have in common is they all feel the asking price is too high. Fulham and Wolves prefer a loan, ideally with an option not an obligation. Suitors could leave approaches until quite close to the deadline to try and put pressure on Chelsea to lower their price or structural demands.”
So far the focus has been on getting players back from loan and sorting out the admin on that side. It feels like a couple more pieces need to be moved around, then the final days of the window could get hectic.
I am dead sure that Armando will shine if he left Chelsea and Chelsea will regret that time. We can see Guihe, Olse, Salah, Kevin.