Chelsea surely need three signings before Thursday evening’s transfer deadline after developments yesterday and today.
Maurizio Sarri got a decent look at the tough job he’s inherited with Chelsea as his side lost 2-0 to Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley.
The Blues’ midfield was almost non-existent without N’Golo Kante, back late after winning the World Cup with France this summer, while Alvaro Morata put in another dire display up front.
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After the game, Sarri was quoted as suggesting he would speak to Thibaut Courtois directly about his future and not look to keep him if he did not want to be at Stamford Bridge.
It seems this conversation has now taken place and ESPN report that Courtois has informed Sarri of his desire to leave the club.
This looks likely to push the Belgium international towards a move to Real Madrid, but it’s absolutely critical CFC can be sure of landing a top replacement.
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Loading ...In a bid to move things along, it’s claimed by Don Balon that Courtois’ agent has urged Gianluigi Donnarumma’s representative Mino Raiola to offer him to Chelsea.
The Italian shot-stopper has been linked with the west Londoners in the past by the Evening Standard, and seems an ideal replacement for Courtois if he does walk, with Corriere della Sera (translated by Calciomercato) previously stating Milan could let him go for £53million.
Away from the goalkeeper problem, replacing Morata should also be a matter of urgency, and with Gonzalo Higuain joining Milan there don’t look to be many top class options aside from Bayern Munich front-man Robert Lewandowski.
The Daily Star claimed just a few days ago that the Poland international was Chelsea’s preferred target up front this summer despite links with Higuain, and there’s no doubt he’d be superb to fix that problem position for the club.
The Daily Star also recently stated the 29-year-old would command a fee of around £100m – which, unfortunately, is surely the kind of money Chelsea have to be ready to pay at this late stage of the summer.
Who do YOU think should be Chelsea's starting striker, Blues? ? pic.twitter.com/gwbmfx71NQ
— Talk Chelsea (@talkchelsea) August 6, 2018
Finally, the Daily Express link Chelsea with lining up a late move for £35m Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, which seems another smart move to ensure the Blues are strengthened in midfield.
Without Kante yesterday, Ross Barkley was handed a start and though he was solid enough, there’s no doubt Ramsey would be an upgrade on him and players like Danny Drinkwater and Tiemoue Bakayoko in that part of the pitch.
The Welshman has been a big-game player and reliable goal-scorer for Arsenal – something Chelsea currently lack – and looks a bargain for £35m due to being in the final year of his contract.
This would be a total of £188m spent by Chelsea in the next few days, but after finishing fifth last season and failing to really strengthen up to now, that seems the kind of spending spree required if Sarri is to avoid things going pear-shaped at the Bridge this term.
