The Hard Tackle brings you a roundup of all the latest news surrounding Chelsea Football Club on Deadline Day
The Blues have suddenly become extremely active in the final few hours of the January transfer window, with numerous players being lined to a move to the Premier League leaders and The Hard Tackle attempts to bring you come of the major transfer news and updates surrounding Stamford Bridge.
Schalke Reject Kolasinac Bid
In an attempt to reinforce their defence, Chelsea had launched a last ditch bid for Schalke 04 left-back Sead Kolasinac a few hours ago. However, according to a report by German outlet SPORT BILD, their offer was rejected immediately and a Kolasinac has been blocked from leaving.
According to another German publication Waz.de, Schalke’s Sporting Director Christian Heidel told BILD: “Yes, there was an inquiry, but the topic was immediately off the table.” Kolasinac, who has a contract that runs out in 6 months, is also a target for Juventus.
The rejection is understandable, even though the German side could have actually made some money off of the player rather than let him leave for free in the summer. Markus Weinzierl needs him now more than ever, due to Baba Rahman being sidelined with a long term injury.
The Blues are in need of options in defence and Marcos Alonso had absolutely no competition for his place at left wing-back until recently and the arrival of the 23-year-old would have increased competition and more importantly, options in the squad.
Though Chelsea have recalled Nathan Ake back into the squad, Kolasinac’s arrival would’ve seen him shift into a left center back role due to Conte’s preference of ball playing center backs, something that it’s current occupant Gary Cahill is not.
Kolasinac’s versatility would have allowed him to play in any defensive position and even as a defensive midfielder, which is also something that Conte would have surely liked to rely upon.
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Biabiany Turns Down Chelsea
Chelsea had made a shock move for Inter Milan winger Jonathan Biabiany earlier in the day, but have been dealt another transfer blow, with Sky Sports reporting that the 28-year-old has rejected a move to Stamford Bridge.
According to the report, the Frenchman has decided that he does not want to leave the San Siro for now. This comes as a surprise, given that the former Parma man has made only 3 appearances for Stefan Pioli’s side over the course of the season.
Biabiany has yet to play a Serie A game and all his appearances have come in the Europa League. However, Conte is reported to hold him in high regard after witnessing some of his best form from his days at Parma, whilst he was managing Juventus.
It was quite likely that the 28-year-old was only being chased in order to make up the numbers at the club and maintain squad depth, more importantly providing backup for Victor Moses, who has been having an outstanding season so far.
Chances would have come few and far in between for the former Sampdoria winger, as Chelsea are currently only competing for 2 titles and with only 5 months left, it is unlikely that he would have been able to settle into a new league in such a short time and impress the Blues enough to warrant a permanent stay.
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Ivanovic To Fly To Spain
It looks like the Chelsea legend is finally set to complete his transfer to Zenit St.Petersburg in the coming hours. According to ESPN’s sources, the 32-year-old will fly to Spain to join the Russian giants for their winter training camp, where he will finalise the move.
He will be returning to the Russian league after 9 long years, having spent some time there with Lokomotiv Moscow. Antonio Conte revealed in his pre-match press conference yesterday that the Serbian was ‘in talks’ with other clubs regarding a move.
The deal agreed with Zenit is reported to be one of 2.5 years with the option to extend it for a further year. Ivanovic hasn’t start a Premier League game since Chelsea’s 0-3 Premier League loss at the hands of Arsenal, after which Conte introduced the extremely successful 3-4-3 formation.
The Italian has chosen to go with David Luiz, Cesar Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill as his central defenders and Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso as his wingbacks and the arrival of Nathan Ake and return of Kurt Zouma from injury adds more competition.
With over 375 appearances to his name and 9 major honours in a career spanning nearly 10 years, Ivanovic doesn’t leave in the best form of his career, but he has been an exemplary servant for the Blues and leaves a behind a wonderful legacy at Stamford Bridge.
