Evolution or revolution required at Stamford Bridge?
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1. Gary Cahill
Bolton Wanderers are almost certain to sell Gary Cahill in January – to the point that Trotters boss Owen Coyle is actually inviting offers.
“If something comes in then I think for Gary and for everybody it is going to be better sooner rather than later,” said Coyle recently.
While Arsenal’s supposed offer of £6m in the summer was rejected out of hand – at least according to Bolton chairman Phil Gartside on Twitter – it is unlikely that Cahill would command much more of a fee.
Alex is transfer listed at Chelsea and could be sent Bolton’s way to sweeten the deal.
2. Alexandre Pato
Chelsea have to prepare for a time without Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka amongst their strikeforce.
Like Alex, Anelka is on the transfer list and expected to leave in January.
Drogba too seems likely to leave at the end of the season – at least according to his agent.
“[Drogba] had the offer of a one-year extension from Chelsea, but that does not suit us,” explained Thierno Seydi.
“At his age, he has nothing left to prove as a player. Once you are well into your thirties, you have to go to a club where you can be certain you’ll be able to pay your bills [Ed: How much electricity does he use?].
“He will go where he is offered the most money.
“It could be the United States, Qatar, Russia or somewhere in Asia.”
That leaves Fernando Torres, Daniel Sturridge and Salomon Kalou as the only senior strikers for Chelsea, and the latter two are more regularly played on the wing.
Sturridge in particular has spoken of his preference to play through the middle, and he may have his wish granted, but there is a case for another forward to be brought in.
Perhaps that could be AC Milan forward Pato.
The Rossoneri are looking to recruit Manchester City rebel Carlos Tevez in the hope he will fit seamlessly into their humble dressing room of the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho and Kevin Prince Boateng – and Pato may find himself available.
3. Alvaro Pereira
Chelsea have gone some way to replacing the old guard.
Claude Makelele finally looks like he may have an heir in Oriol Romeu. David Luiz (and possibly Gary Cahill) could succeed John Terry and Alex, presuming Branislav Ivanovic continues on the right flank.
Frank Lampard is being rotated as he ages, much like Ryan Giggs has been at Manchester United in recent years. Chelsea are also looking to bring in more of a possession game to their style of play, and Lampard – while a great Premier League midfield goalscorer – doesn’t necessarily possess the attributes needed to make Chelsea a force in modern continental and international football.
Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka have been replaced by Fernando Torres and Daniel Sturridge, with varying success.
It is seemingly only full back where Chelsea have not recruited recently – and after buying around eight Portuguese right backs per season in the last few years, it would seem Villas Boas’ focus is now on the other flank.
A move for Porto left back Alvaro Pereira was rejected in the summer, but with Villas Boas’ previous club now eliminated from the UEFA Champions League, they could be tempted to sell – for a hefty price.
Could Pereira join his old manager at Stamford Bridge?