UP FRONT
We still don’t know whether Drogba’s staying or going, although recent reports suggest a new deal for our vertically challenged frontman is in the off-ing, so with that in mind maybe a second striker like the seemingly unsettled Carlos Tevez is an option? We’re also hearing a lot about Milan’s Alexandre Pato already but with nothing yet confirmed or denied, who else is being linked? Sadly, Arsenal’s Adebayor falls into that category, with plenty of gooners no doubt happier than us to hear that.
Better news though, are the links to 20-year old Sergio Aguero. Unfortunately though, the comparison’s to Maradona have given the Argentina international a £50million price-tag. Another expensive option would be David Villa, a real possibility with Valencia a bit on the skint side. Although maybe a cheaper option would be Man City’s Daniel Sturridge – English, 19 and a potential bargain at around £8million?
IN THE MIDDLE
It could be a little difficult to justify any more midfielders, with Lampard, Essien and Mikel all worth a place and even Michael Ballack given an extension to his current contract, but the press don’t let trivial details like that stop them. So, according to reports who might we bring in here? Well, we’ve heard already about Ancelotti’s plan to bring in Andrea Pirlo – because you can never have too many over 30s eh? And is if that particular rumour isn’t displeasing enough, how about the one that links us to a move for Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso – now that one really makes the bile rise. So, moving on swiftly to someone we might actually be able to stomach, and we’re rumoured to be ready to offer the unhappy Rafael van der Vaart a way out of the Bernabeu – very generous of us at around £20million too.
ON THE WINGS
Yuri Zhirkov has certainly been linked with a move to Chelsea on plenty of occasions although more recently seems a less than likely candidate having made it clear he wouldn’t tolerate time on the bench. With that maybe in mind, it seems Florent Malouda might actually be staying. Salomon Kalou’s position at Chelsea though, looks a bit more fragile, so rumour has it, Chelsea could try and bring in Aston Villa’s Ashley Young, who for £15million, plays on either wing or even up front. The more expensive option, and Carlo Ancelotti’s preferred choice apparently, is Franck Ribery at around £50million.
AT THE BACK
We’ve already heard Ricardo Carvalho is considering life away from Stamford Bridge next season and Alex might get an improved deal during the summer. And we’ve also heard Glenn Johnson could be in line for a return, so with Branislav Ivanovic capable of playing anywhere across the back four and Michael Mancienne waiting for opportunities either at the centre of defence, or right-back, who else could we possibly need? According to the press, Bolton’s Gary Cahill of course. Mind you, with the £20million price tag just slapped on the 23-year old, do we really need him that much?
BETWEEN THE STICKS
Petr Cech hasn’t exactly covered himself in glory although to be fair, with Carlo Cudicini allowed to move to Spurs, he hasn’t had much to motivate him in the form of competition. Hilario’s never really been more than a third choice for us, so who might we replace Cudicini with during the summer? Well, so far the only name that seems to have cropped up as an option is Middlesbrough’s 24-year old, Ross Turnball. His contract expires this summer and with Boro playing Championship football in the next campaign (snigger), we’re rumoured to be ready to nip in for him.
Anyone I missed?
