Chelsea transfer targets will pay special attention to Liverpool’s CL tie

Virgil van Dijk wants to play for Jurgen Klopp, but he also wants to play in the Champions League. Van Dijk will find out this evening if those goals are compatible, or if his ambitions lie with Chelsea.

Chelsea will be closely watching this evening’s Champions League second-leg match between Liverpool and Hoffenheim. Liverpool have the 2-1 lead and are favourites to win, but Hoffenheim did not finish fourth in the Bundesliga by being push-overs. If Hoffenheim pull off the comeback, Chelsea may spring into action for Virgil van Dijk and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Earlier this week Liverpool emerged as a possible destination for Oxlade-Chamberlain. Previously he had only been linked with Chelsea as he clawed his way to the exit at Arsenal. Liverpool’s system does not suit Oxlade-Chamberlain, nor do they particularly need him at any position. The rumour seemed drawn from thin air, but reputable sources reported it (to the extent any source is reputable in late August).

A reasonable possibility is that Oxlade-Chamberlain desires Champions League football. In any other year, he would have it at Arsenal, at least for a few games. As Chelsea continue to lolly-gag their way through the transfer window, he may have simply asked his agent which of the other Champions League-qualifiers would sign him.

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Tottenham are doing nothing in the market.* Manchester City seem to be all spent out, and no one knows what Pep Guardiola’s actual plan for his squad may be. So Liverpool could be his remaining option, particularly if they have money to spend from selling Philippe Coutinho.

If this is the case, then Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Virgil van Dijk will be watching this evening’s game with the same thought process. If Liverpool win, give them a call. If Hoffenheim emerge, call Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea should not accept this “wait and see” attitude from prospective targets. By every measure they are a better destination than Liverpool. The Blues should only want players that fully want to be there. However, at the risk of giving Chelsea too much credit, they may think their negotiating position will improve if they become van Dijk’s and Oxlade-Chamberlain’s only option.

Chelsea seemingly enjoy waiting until the last few days of August to close up their transfer business. Even though Ross Barkley is out with injury they may be waiting until after they play Everton on Sunday to move for the midfielder. Similarly, Chelsea, Virgil van Dijk and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may be waiting to see how Liverpool’s Champions League hopes pan out before taking their next steps.

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*Tottenham signed a back-up goalkeeper from Southampton (of course) earlier today, so they have technically done more than “nothing.”