With the winter transfer window open, let’s see what rumours regarding Chelsea FC are flying around the press on this fine Friday morning.
The January transfer window is now open, meaning that Premier League teams (and their European counterparts) are free to buy and sell players until the end of the month. Here at The Pride Of London we like to give you a daily round-up of all of the stories knocking about. Most of these are incredibly speculative, but we will pursue those with more grounding throughout the rest of the day.
More chelsea fc: Chelsea FC’s New Stadium: Get Up To Speed With Developments
Alexandre Pato
Chelsea target Alexandre Pato confirmed his switch to Stamford Bridge a couple of days ago but a deal is yet to be formally announced. Apparently this is due to issues with negotiating a loan fee. The striker is set to join the Blues on a six-month loan, but Corinthians are playing hardball over the flat fee that they want to receive for lending Guus Hiddink their striker. This should only be a minor hurdle and an agreement should be reached by the end of the window.
"Pato, 26, completed his medical in London yesterday…It is thought complications over his loan fee have pushed back Chelsea’s announcement of the striker’s arrival. – The Express"
Jose Gimenez
The Blues are still on the lookout for a defender as they try to reinforce their squad for the second half of the season and they have turned their attention to Jose Gimenez. The Atletico Madrid centre-back is highly-rated and has formed a formidable partnership with fellow Uruguayan Diego Godin at the heart of the Atleti defence. If a deal cannot be closed this week (almost certain), Chelsea will return for the 21-year-old over the summer. As an avid follower of Atletico Madrid, I cannot explain how smart a move this could be.
"John Stones and Marquinhos have been on the wish-list for some time but they also plan to move for Atletico Madrid’s rising star Jose Gimenez. – The Evening Standard"
Patrick Bamford
The directionless striker may soon have one with Norwich looking to bring Patrick Bamford to Carrow Road. After a disastrous spell with Crystal Palace, the 22-year-old terminated his loan prematurely and returned to Stamford Bridge. Guus Hiddink has stated that he will not feature in the first team without proving himself in the U21’s, raising the prospect of a wasted campaign. The Canaries, though, are keen not just for a loan, but a permanent move. We will see how this develops over the next few days.
"Norwich want to sign Chelsea rising star Patrick Bamford…He would be interested in a fresh loan to Carrow Road, although it is understood Norwich are keen on a permanent move. – The Mirror"
Next: Chelsea FC’s 50 Greatest Players Of All-Time
Please bear in mind that these are just rumours, so don’t take them too seriously and have fun with them instead. Have you heard anything via the grapevine lately? Let us know in the comments below!