Chelsea’s transfer genius will be on trial for the rest of the summer
Chelsea needs a new No. 9. That statement should surprise none of the Blues’ supporters as it’s been something discussed in inner circles for quite some time now. Timo Werner was supposedly the answer to all of the problems up top, but Thomas Tuchel and Co. have now learned he’s better out wide or as a second striker. Therefore, attention has turned to world class individuals such as Erling Haaland, Romelu Lukaku and Harry Kane.
Unfortunately, the pursuit of top tier talent leads to transfer sagas that drag on for quite awhile. Chelsea learned that with Kai Havertz last season and it looks prepared to play the long game again this summer. This has fans understandably upset as the rest of the Premier League races to improve their squads while the Blues are stuck, fixated on a number of uncertainties. They have yet to register any new players this summer and with the season just three weeks away, supporters are beginning to worry as they get flashbacks of the 2017/18 transfer window. Marina Granovskaia has a tough few weeks ahead of her as she tries to salvage what has been a terrible transfer window for the club thus far.
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Marina Granovskaia is under the microscope as the window draws to a close.
Granovskaia is known for being a shrewd businesswoman who is one of the best negotiators in the business. If the club is unable to secure the services of its top targets for one reason or another, the fan base’s satisfaction with her performance will depend on the moves she is able to complete. This isn’t to say her job is in jeopardy either, Roman Abramovich has found an excellent business representative in Granovskaia. The fact of the matter is, people often times tend to forget there is more to a transfer than a simple exchanging of fees. There are also more individuals behind the scenes working to get the deals done. Granovskaia may not be the mastermind in the scouting department, but the team’s successes and failures during the window are all her own.
It seems as if the reality of the Haaland situation is beginning to set in with all involved parties. The Norwegian is unlikely to move this summer and Chelsea cannot afford waste any more time courting the 21-year-old. Granovskaia is not at fault for the failed acquisition of the world’s most efficient striking phenom—that falls on the stubbornness of Dortmund—she just needs to clean up the so-called mess. Attention now turns to Lukaku and Kane before the Blues scramble to sign emergency solutions before the beginning of the season. After all, they need to sign somebody.
The situation isn’t much different as it relates to Declan Rice either. He is under contract with West Ham until 2025. Therefore, the club holds all of the negotiating power and can refuse to sell him at this moment in time, regardless of the fee. Granovskaia will do her best to bring the asking price of £100 million down as Rice tries to force a move, but there are no guarantees. If these talks break down, the club’s director will also be forced to look at alternatives in midfield. This includes the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.
In a perfect world, the Blues would be able to snap their fingers and sign Achraf Hakimi, Haaland, Rice and any other player they want. As we know though, the transfer market can be an incredibly cruel and unfair place. Granovskaia did a wonderful job strengthening the team last summer, but it’s infinitely more difficult now that Chelsea cannot sign any regular squad player. The Champions of Europe must sign elite talents who are destined to cost a fortune. It’s ultimately Granovskaia’s job to improve the team this summer and she’ll be evaluated by fans based on her ability to do just that in the moment. Modern problems require modern solutions, which may include pulling some rabbits out of some hats and taking risks on relatively unproven players. No matter the transactions, Granovskaia will either be celebrated or face the music come August 31.
Next. Should Chelsea spend big on Erling Haaland this summer?. dark
Who would you like to see Granovskaia bring in over the next few weeks? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!