Despite plenty of links to a number of big names during the January transfer window, Chelsea ended up having a relatively quiet winter in terms of signings.
The Blues brought in Mathis Amougou on deadline day, after recalling Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Crystal Palace.
There were far more names on the list of departures. Renato Veiga, Joao Felix, Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka are amongst a long list of players who will be on loan for the rest of the season.
As the dust begins to settle from January, The Chelsea Chronicle spoke to transfer insider Graeme Bailey on Enzo Maresca’s thoughts on the window, the future prospects of the new loanees and plans for the summer.
Here is a full run-down of his thoughts, with a ‘very interesting’ target for next summer when the window opens again.
Chelsea’a January transfer window review
On Enzo Maresca’s thoughts
- Enzo Maresca had called for signings in January to help Chelsea’s chances at qualifying for the Champions League
Graeme says… Enzo Maresca is very happy with the squad in general. Rather than a name, he did want an upgrade at centre-half and we saw that with Trevoh Chalobah recalled, that position is not resolved as we fully expect at least another to come in this summer.
And in terms of the summer, I would be amazed if we don’t see the goalkeeper and striker situation addressed – neither are huge, huge needs but if Chelsea want to win the title – both need to be sorted.
On Trevoh Chalobah
- Chelsea recalled Trevoh Chalobah despite their mistreatment of him last summer
Graeme says… Well, he is playing well enough – but is he better now than the player Chelsea pushed out of the door last summer – I am not convinced and unfortunately for him, I don’t think Chelsea’s top brass are either. But the run-in into the season might change things but I doubt it.
On Carney Chukwuemeka
- Carney Chukwuemeka moved to Borussia Dortmund on loan after reports the club wanted to sell him
Graeme says… Hard to imagine, I’ll be honest [Chukwuemeka has Chelsea future] – this January was prime opportunity for him to get his chance in midfielder but they brought in Amougou and they also tried to send him to Strasbourg.
On Dario Essugo
- Chelsea were strongly linked with Dario Essugo on deadline day, however no move occurred
Graeme says… We saw Mathis Amougou arrive and I was surprised in some ways that he has become part of the squad, but we know that Enzo Maresca wanted another midfielder in and they also talked about Dario Essugo – they like him a lot, and the interest is still there and there is a good chance he will become a BlueCo player.
On January targets cropping up in the summer
- The Blues were linked with the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Liam Delap in January
Graeme says… Chelsea know what they want – Sam Jewell is very good at what he does, they know what they like – yes Liam Delap is one they like and he remains on their list.
Garnacho will be interesting – I think he does leave in the summer, though. This was an opportunistic target this January and they give it serious thought – will they look again, good chance they do.
On signing a new goalkeeper
- Chelsea didn’t sign a goalkeeper in January despite Robert Sanchez’s tough run of form
Graeme says… Chelsea are looking around, we know that. Robert Sanchez is OK but that’s the issue. They need that top class number one – do they already have him on their books like Jorgensen or Penders? possibly but I think they will do something. One name to keep an eye on is Zion Suzuki at Parma – most of the Premier League is looking at the Japanese star – he is very interesting.
Personally, if I was Chelsea I would be asking Everton to name their price for Jordan Pickford – I don’t think there is a better keeper currently in the Premier League. Yes he is 30 or so, but nowadays that is nothing for a goalkeeper, you could easily get six years out of him.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
