We take a look at some of the major stories doing the rounds on the internet regarding Chelsea FC.
Michy Batshuayi Wanted By Valencia
According to Spanish outlet Super Deporte, La Liga side Valencia are interested in the 23-year-old forward. Reinforcements are the need of the hour at the Mestalla, given that Los Che are battling relegation and currently sit at 17th place. Manager Cesare Prandelli has made a new striker the top priority, as they look to avoid the drop next year.
The report states that Valencia’s primary target is Simone Zaza, who is currently on loan at West Ham United. But he is expected to be subject to interest from a number of clubs in January, who will be looking to end his nightmare spell in London. In light of this, Prandelli has asked the clubs to try and sign Batshuayi in the upcoming transfer window.
However, it is also stated that the Blues defender does not want to leave the club and neither do Chelsea want to let their £33 million summer acquisition go. Diego Costa’s scintillating form this season has resulted in the Belgian international getting very limited game time.
He is yet to start a Premier League game this season, and his only 3 starts this season have come in the EFL Cup. He is still their only backup striker and with Diego Costa suspended for next week’s tie against Bournemouth, Batshuayi has the perfect opportunity to stake his claim for a place in Antonio Conte’s squad.
Christian Atsu Hints At Newcastle Stay
Atsu is just one of the many players Chelsea have on loan this season and the 24-year-old is currently plying his trade at Newcastle United under former Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez. Since signing for Chelsea from Porto in 2013, he has been loaned out to Vitesse Arnhem, Everton, Bournemouth and Malaga, before being sent out on loan again this past summer.
In 16 appearances this campaign, he has scored 3 goals for the Magpies and is slowly making a place for himself in the squad. He is currently in fourth year of his Chelsea contract, which expires in the summer of 2018 and according to a report in Newcastle fan site The Mag, he has hinted the possibility of make his St. James’ Park stay a permanent one.
“Every year I keep moving on loan to different clubs and it is not easy, I’m looking to settle,” he said. “Newcastle is a big club and I respect them very much, I’m here to play football and work hard. It is their decision at the end of the season.”
He insisted that his immediate focus was on Newcastle’s aim in the Championship this season and that he was settled at Tyneside. “I’m settled here – I’m relaxed with my friends, the coaches and everyone, also with the fans. I’m very happy here in Newcastle and I am getting better each and every game – I keep working hard to help the team.”
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Atsu has had difficult loan spells at Bournemouth and Malaga last season and has never been able to do enough to warrant a place at Chelsea when Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink were in charge.
However, Victor Moses’ rise to prominence this season under Antonio Conte should surely serve as an inspiration for any Chelsea players who are looking to make the grade at Stamford Bridge and should Atsu help Newcastle qualify to the Premier League next season, he may very well be able to force himself in Conte’s plans.
David Luiz Hails Antonio Conte
The Brazilian returned to Chelsea after 2 years in Paris, in what was the arguably the biggest move done on deadline day. Since his arrival, he has become an integral part of Antonio Conte’s 3 man defence.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, he spoke about his side’s current form and mentality. “I always love football but of course it’s good when you win and the team is doing well. We understand the philosophy, the system. Everyone is giving 100 per cent for the team,” he said.
Chelsea have won 11 consecutive games on the trot in the Premier League and have conceded only two goals in that time. They currently sit 6 points clear of rivals Manchester City, but the 29-year-old says its still too early to call themselves favourites.
“The collective comes before the individual. Winning the Premier League is never easy, whether you’re at home or away, the games are always tough. It’s good but it’s too early to speak about the title or being favourites. We need to keep working hard every day.“
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Needless to say, a lot of Chelsea’s successes this term is attributed to Antonio Conte. The Italian’s man management has brought the very best out of the likes of Diego Costa, Pedro and Victor Moses. The introduction of his 3-4-3 formation has seemingly brought the very best out of this Chelsea squad and the former PSG man was full of praise for his boss.
“I think when you understand the plan and the philosophy of the coach, it’s much easier. It’s like when you’re at school and you love to do something, you’re in the advanced class,” he said. “We love football, we understand the philosophy, we have a connection with the manager and this connection gives us confidence. He’s a top manager.“
