We take a look at some of the key stories doing the rounds regarding Premier League side Chelsea FC.
Give Chelsea the Premier League trophy now – Robbie Savage
Under Antonio Conte, Chelsea have put aside the ghosts of last campaign and have now consolidated their spot atop the Premier League table – six points ahead of Liverpool in second.
The Blues are now on a twelve game winning run and look virtually unstoppable. Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Pedro are continuing to bang in goals on a weekly basis, while David Luiz and Cesar Azpilicueta have given the Blues stability at the back.
After Chelsea beat Bournemouth 3-0 on Boxing Day, football pundit Robbie Savage spoke about their title aspirations on BBC Radio Five Live. He said, “Give them the trophy now – I can’t see anyone catching them. Great defence and great attacking play. They can play all styles; they can break teams down.”
Roma interested in loan deal for Charly Musonda
According to Sky Sports, Roma are interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Charly Musonda on a short-term loan deal in the January transfer window. The Serie A side are reportedly eyeing him as a replacement for Mohamed Salah who is set to depart for the African Cup of Nations in January.
The youngster has struggled on loan this season at La Liga side Real Betis and has been handed only one start by manager Gus Poyet. He has made substitute appearances in another seven games.
Musonda is back in training with the Chelsea side, but he is expected to leave the capital soon and return to Italy to complete his move to Roma.
Chelsea right back Wallace released by Grêmio six months before end of loan deal
The Blues announced the signing of Brazilian right-back Wallace in December 2012, by taking advantage of a priority clause established by Fluminese during the acquisition of Deco a few seasons prior to it.
He was touted as one of the next big things, but failed to replicate his exemplary efforts from the Brazilian league in the two and a half years he spent on loan at Inter Milan, Vitesse and Carpi from 2013 to 2015.
Thus, he opted to return to his native Brazil to ply his trade with Gremio, but once again things have not quite panned out as per plan for him. His performances for the Brazilian side have been a tad dismal and he has made just 22 appearances during his eighteen months in the South American continent.
Due to this, the player has been released six months before his loan would have come to an end. Grêmio’s president Romildo Bolzan Junior confirmed that the player will be released as he was not given the number of appearances he was guaranteed prior to signing the contract.
Marseille, Valencia, Inter Milan offers confirmed for John Obi Mikel
Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel looks set to leave the club in January. He has reportedly not ruled out a move to China and has three concrete offers on the table, according to ESPN. He has said that his next destination will be determined by “football, not money”, and is considering offers from Valencia, Inter Milan and Olympic Marseille.
The 29-year-old will benefit from a move away from Stamford Bridge as he has struggled to break into Antonio Conte’s first-team plans. The Italian has settled on a pairing of N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic, and in their absence Cesc Fabregas and Oscar have deputised at the heart of midfield.
Despite losing the Brazilian to Chinese club Shanghai SIPG, Mikel is unlikely to convince Conte of his credentials to be a regular starter for the club. The Nigeria international was recently in advanced talks with Marseille, but will now be spoiled for choice given the interest of Valencia and Inter Milan.
Mikel’s illustrious ten-year spell at Stamford Bridge seems to coming to an end and it is time for him to embark on a different path in his footballing career. At 29, he still has ample time to redefine himself and clock regular minutes on the field of play.
His experience will certainly be beneficial for the club he signs for and he will also bring a winning mentality as well as boisterous midfield presence.
