So far, it’s been a very successful season for Chelsea.
Under Maurizio Sarri they sit fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Europa League knockout stages unbeaten and are in the Carabao Cup Quarter-Finals. With just three defeats all season, the Blues are in strong form.
However, with the January transfer window just around the corner there is a lot of transfer talk. There is always talk of new signings, but I ask what can we do without spending hundreds of millions of pounds next month?
So, here are three things I think we should do in the January transfer window.
1. Recall Michy Batshuayi
On loan at Valencia, Batshuayi has struggled to cement his place at Stamford Bridge since joining from Marseille in 2016. However, I think it’s time we bring him back to the first team.
Chelsea only have two recognised strikers, in Álvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud. That is simply not enough, as when one gets injured, suspended or is out of form, we only have one other real option.
Eden Hazard can play in a false nine, but Sarri needs enough strikers at his disposal. Recalling Batshuayi gives Chelsea more options, which will be crucial as Sarri faces more and more fixtures.
2. Sell Danny Drinkwater
Drinkwater has never been a regular in midfield for Chelsea since joining last year, but he doesn’t even feature anymore. His only appearance of the season came in August’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Community Shield, and is time is already up.
Chelsea have eight central midfielders in the ranks with the summer arrivals of Mateo Kovačić and Jorginho, and there is simply no place left for Drinkwater. Although Sarri does rotate his midfield, the Englishman never gets considered.
Drinkwater is a decent player, and at 28-years-old he still has time. If he wants to keep playing and wants first team football, he must leave Chelsea as soon as possible.
3. Release Robert Green
Green is a decent goalkeeper, but I don’t think we need him whatsoever. He’s just taking up a valuable squad place, not making an appearance all season. He needs to go for the benefit of others.
He is 38-years-old, and doesn’t need to be at Chelsea. Why not use a youth player like Marcin Bulka in his place? Bulka would massively benefit from being deputy to and training with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Willy Caballero.
We need to utilise the youth options we have at the club, but if we just sign veteran players for ‘squad depth’ then what’s the point of developing and nurturing players like Bulka?
It’s not much to ask for, and they don’t involve excessive spending as most Chelsea fans expect. However, I think these three bits of business would help the team massively, in allowing more opportunities for youngsters and better squad depth.
Whether Chelsea will make any statement signings is uncertain, with no players hugely linked with the Blues. However, Maurizio Sarri should look to adapt his squad, as he prepares for a big second half of the season.
Nischal's Blog 