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Hatem Ben Arfa move exemplifies Chelsea FC’s serious problems

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 28: Antonio Conte, head coach of Italy addresses the media ahead of the international friendly match between Germany and Italy at Allianz Arena on March 28, 2016 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Johannes Simon/Bongarts/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 28: Antonio Conte, head coach of Italy addresses the media ahead of the international friendly match between Germany and Italy at Allianz Arena on March 28, 2016 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Johannes Simon/Bongarts/Getty Images) /
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With Chelsea FC set for a major overhaul in the summer, rumours linking the club with a move for Hatem Ben Arfa exemplify the serious issues that they face.

Chelsea FC have been able to attract some of the world’s finest talents since Roman Abramovich’s arrival in 2003. The combination of endless funds and extensive ambition convinced players around the world to jump on the bandwagon initially and the sustained success has since established Stamford Bridge as a premier destination.

However, after the most disastrous Blues campaign in recent memory, a club without Champions League football and rife with instability is now struggling to advertise itself effectively. The reported chase of Hatem Ben Arfa is a sobering realisation of the problems that this 2015/16 season has caused Chelsea.

The last 10 months or so have proven that the players within the current Blues squad are not perennial winners. Jose Mourinho managed to lead them to a Premier League and League Cup double last time out, but then he also oversaw a collapse of epic proportions.

The likes of Eden Hazard and Nemanja Matic, who previously appeared a match for football’s best, have seen their attitude and commitment called into question. Performances have been so abject that the fans even turned on their former heroes.

Chelsea will finish mid-table this season and without any cup success, they will not play Champions League football next term. As Antonio Conte prepares the club for a major summer overhaul, this fact will restrain his options.

The world’s top players want to play in the game’s premier competition. The only offer that would detract them from this aim is one from the Far East or the MLS, the magnitude of which Chelsea cannot compete with given Financial Fair Play.

As a result, not many will be willing to come to Stamford Bridge. Antoine Griezmann has been linked with a switch, but it is beyond all rational belief that he will want this move. He is scoring for fun under Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid are on course for a La Liga and Champions League double.

PARIS, FRANCE – APRIL 02: Hatem Ben Arfa of OGC Nice reacts during the French Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and OGC Nice at Parc des Princes on april 02, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – APRIL 02: Hatem Ben Arfa of OGC Nice reacts during the French Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and OGC Nice at Parc des Princes on april 02, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images) /

Romelu Lukaku is another player rumoured with a move to West London. However, the likes of Bayern Munich are also said to be interested. Which club do you reckon he will choose?

The Times reported that Hatem Ben Arfa is the latest transfer target for Chelsea. To be fair to the forward, he has been scintillating for Nice this season with 17 Ligue 1 goals and 5 assists. However, the Frenchman’s last appearance in the Premier League was on loan at Hull City. Furthermore, at the age of 29 there is little upside to what would be a gamble.

Conte himself appears to have a certain degree of drawing power. Several Serie A players have spoken of their admiration for the Italy coach and the Blues will be banking on this to secure some talent.

Having said that, the underlying issue is genuinely concerning. It is not going to be as simple as taking the summer to rebuild and challenging for the title next season. Of course, if the current talent get back to their best there is certainly a chance, but this season has proven that they cannot be trusted. Additionally, the bulk of them may not even be here come August.

Next: One of us: Eden Hazard finally meets Chelsea FC fan’s expectations

Conte is being faced with a long-term project and one that will take considerable effort and tact. Without being disrespectful to Ben Arfa, the fact that he is a prime transfer target exemplifies this.

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