Barkley Bid Prepared
Recent reports have suggested that Chelsea are set to make another move for Ross Barkley in the January transfer window. The Everton midfielder rejected a deadline day move to Stamford Bridge over fears of first-team football, but the Blues are set to make another move when the window opens next month. The 24-year-old is yet to play this season, as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Barkley’s contract at Everton expires at the end of the season, so Chelsea will hope to sign the Englishman on a cut-price deal. Tottenham are also said to be interested in signing Barkley when the window opens.
Summer Rejection
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte missed out on two transfer targets during the summer due to fears that the Italian would not be at the club next season. Reports suggest that two players who were not named rejected moves to West London over fears Conte wouldn’t be at the club much longer. Conte admitted early in the season that he was unhappy with the club’s transfer business, as Chelsea failed to sign a number of first choice targets. Conte’s future at Stamford Bridge has been widely discussed, with the Italian not extending his deal in the summer when signing a new deal.
Barca to Play
Chelsea will play Barcelona in the next round of the Champions League. The Premier League champions host the Spanish side in the Round of 16, after coming second in the group stage. Barcelona topped their group, which consisted of Juventus, Sporting Lisbon, and Olympiakos. Chelsea and Barcelona have quite the history in this competition, meeting numerous times in the last 15 years. The last time the two clubs met was during the 2011/12 season, with Chelsea beating the Spanish club 3-2 on aggregate to progress to the 2012 Champions League final. A good omen for Chelsea, perhaps?