Wednesday’s biggest Chelsea news and transfer rumour roundup.
Chelsea could wait until the summer to trade misfiring striker Diego Costa for Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann, according to the Sky Sports.
The Blues are in desperate need of extra quality up front as the likes of Costa, Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao have all failed to meet the required standards so far this term.
Much had been made of Chelsea’s likelihood to fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League and whether that would put the deal in jeopardy.
However, Spanish football expert Terry Gibson believes that the deal will go ahead regardless of whether they qualify for the tournament or not.
“If you were Griezmann and in any way interested in going to the Premier League, then you would still look upon a club like Chelsea as an attractive proposition,” Gibson said.
“I do not think [a move] does [depend on Chelsea finishing in the top four].
“It is being talked about a lot and from the outside there is surely a swap there with Griezmann and Diego Costa somewhere along the line.”
Long time Chelsea target Jonathan Calleri could be ready to leave Boca Juniors after taking to Twitter to thank his fans for their support and wish them goodbye, the Metro reports.
The striker has been in fine form for the Argentine giants this season, notching 21 goals, and with The Blues desperate to add more quality up front the links to his signature have come naturally.
The 22-year-old is also on the wish list of a number of other top European sides, but speculation surrounding his future is set to go into overdrive after he addressed his fans with a message of ‘Thankyou for everything and goodbye’ on Tuesday evening.
Gracias por todo y adios ..
— Jonathan Calleri (@Jocalleri) December 8, 2015
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has admitted that failure to qualify for the next round of the Champions League would be “very embarrassing”, according to the Daily Express.
The Blues only need a point at home to Porto on Wednesday night to seal their passage to the knockout phase, but after watching Man United stumble at the final hurdle, fans could be forgiven for feeling the tension.
Chelsea have struggled for form this season, and Courtois recognises that exit from the tournament would be the last thing that the club needs.
“It would be embarrassing to play in the Europa League,” said Courtois. “A team like Chelsea has to have the goal to win the Champions League.”
John Terry has been passed fit for the club’s crucial Champions League tie with Porto on Wednesday night, the Daily Mirror reports.
The veteran defender was stretchered out of the club’s last Champions League game two weeks ago, and hasn’t featured for the club since.
However, he has since been passed fit and despite his form and previous injury problems this term, boss Jose Mourinho is ready to throw him back into the squad to help him keep his job against his former club.
Real Madrid are reportedly readying themselves to up their pursuit of Chelsea winger Eden Hazard, according to the Daily Star.
The Spaniards are apparently anxious to get the deal done as soon as possible as fears continue to grow that they will be forced to undergo a one-year transfer embargo.
This could see them move for the Belgian international as soon as January.