Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is disappointed with his situation at Stamford Bridge as plans for 2023 under Todd Boehly are taking shape, transfer insider Dean Jones explains in his latest column for GiveMeSport.
We are urged not to compare this new Chelsea era to the beginning of the Roman Abramovich reign yet it is almost impossible for Blues fans not to hold great anticipation over what the future may hold.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones
The club are looking to do significant business in every area of the park in the new year and at the same time they will scour the world for the best new talent.
Initially there was some skepticism over Boehly’s ownership style as his European tour of clubs, agents and directors meetings led to rumour after rumour being leaked. It all seemed a bit of a mess.
Yet as things have settled down, their business model has begun to look more clear. In the last window we saw their two tiered approach to star names and upcoming talent. That is going to continue and the team around Boehly, boosted further by appointments like Joe Shields from Southampton recently and a technical director still to follow, will hammer home the message that Chelsea are going to remain at the very top of the game.
The next stage of squad renovations will kick in soon, when contract decisions will be made clearer and new players will be identified for both the immediate and long-term future.
Here we lay out some of the changes and challenges that can be expected in each position…
Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy is disappointed with his situation and equally Chelsea would be willing to replace the £22m stopper if he pushes for a move. That moment might come as early as January but is more likely to be in the summer.
Chelsea have Gabriel Slonina available in the new year following his move from MLS side Chicago Fire. He is only 18 and there are no early expectations of him to push for games, especially with Kepa Arrizabalaga claiming the No.1 position. He has really impressed and the new first team staff are more than happy to know he has a contract that runs to summer 2025.
A loan move for Slonina is certainly possible - even back to Chicago - but as a back-up keeper there is also a feeling he might be perfectly capable. Chelsea will also continue to keep an eye on other goalkeepers who may become available - such as Aston Villa’s 6 ft 5 colossus Emi Martinez.
Defence: Wesley Fofana’s arrival was a big deal in the summer along with Kalidou Koulibaly but the next concern comes as Chelsea weigh up whether they will need to replace Thiago Silva. The Brazilian is 38, his contract expires at the end of the season, and by the World Cup they should have a better idea of whether he is considering a longer stay.
It is reasonable to consider he may not and that is why the club are looking into players such as RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol and Brighton’s Adam Webster. They have considered Pau Torres but there are some reservations about his suitability, sources say.
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