Chelsea may end another transfer window relying on Plan B(atshuayi)
By George Perry
Chelsea’s proposed double transfer of Edin Dzeko and Emerson Palmieri remains mired in rumour, banter and uncertainty. Until Dzeko or some other tall striker is posing with a Blue jersey, Michy Batshuayi must remain part of the squad.
Once upon a time, Chelsea signed a striker on the January deadline day. They may do so again, given the rate of their progress towards securing Edin Dzeko from AS Roma. The latest reports add drama and vacillation without any new information, which means Edin Dzeko, Peter Crouch and Michy Batshuayi may be equally likely to be training at Cobham on February 1.
Chelsea showed more confidence towards the Emerson transfer by allowing Kenedy to go on loan to Newcastle. Kenedy only has five appearances this season – all in the domestic cups – but those have been absolutely essential for Marcos Alonso to have some days off. For all of the misgivings around Kenedy, he was the closest thing Alonso had to a deputy. Davide Zappacosta and Pedro are distant relief options.
Chelsea have so far wisely refused to let Michy Batshuayi go, despite him being very attractive on the loan market. He is seemingly out of favour with little hope of redemption, has an established record as an impact sub and could start for most clubs this side of Stamford Bridge. West Ham, Sevilla and AS Roma were all in mildly credible rumours for the Belgian.
Batshuayi is obviously more important to the team and has a greater role in Antonio Conte’s plans than Kenedy. Even so, Chelsea have a better fall-back option at striker than they do at left wing-back. Eden Hazard as a false-nine is a luxury of a Plan B. Zappacosta and Pedro on the left flank drive home the importance of Marcos Alonso, the tragedy of Kenedy and the desperate need for a transfer.
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Perhaps because of his recent injury and subsequent lack of playing time, Emerson and AS Roma seem willing to part ways. The giallorossi must take a sterner stance on Dzeko. He is their leading scorer by some margin, and has no replacement ready in the wings.
Both Chelsea and Roma, then, are unwilling to part with a striker until his replacement is guaranteed, if not already in place. The straight swap between the two clubs should expedite matters, but the desired duration of Dzeko’s contract and the question of a loan or a transfer for Batshuayi are hindering a resolution. If two clubs are having so much difficulty, the introduction of a third or fourth makes the January moves impossible.
With only four days left in the transfer window, Chelsea are out of time and options if the Dzeko deal falls apart. That would add another chapter to the club’s ponderous record negotiating with Serie A clubs (see also: Nainggolan, Radja; Koulibaly, Kalidou; Manolas, Kostas; Sandro, Alex). But at least this time, the Blues have their backup plan already in place.
Next: Chelsea use Michy Batshuayi and Ross Barkley in predicted 3-4-3 vs. Newcastle
Michy Batshuayi has a reputation for saving the day late in the proceedings. The January transfer window may be just one more time Chelsea need a hero.