For Chelsea, due to only achieving 1 draw and 2 losses in consecutive league matches, their situation on the league standings has taken a sharp turn for the worse, from once being just 2 points away from the top to currently having a 10-point gap. At least from the current state and performance, Maresca's team cannot yet be considered a strong contender for the championship. However, considering their outstanding squad depth, if they can complete some key signings during this transfer window, there is still hope to truly enter the championship race.
Two "culprits" are about to leave
In the past few games, Chelsea's defensive performance has been poor, although the number of goals conceded is not too high. What is unacceptable for the Blues' supporters is that they repeatedly concede goals with various low-level mistakes. This defensive performance is an important reason for their continuous defeats in the league. Among them, Disasi is a typical representative of poor performance. One and a half seasons ago, this French central defender made the team pay a transfer fee of 45 million euros, but he has never performed at a level that matches a top club. This season, Disasi has not had many opportunities, and so far this season, he has only played 5 times in the league, with a total playing time of only 351 minutes.
Whether it is in his main position as a central defender or as a makeshift right-back, Disasi's performance has been very disappointing. Especially during the team's recent poor form, Disasi can be called the "culprit." According to The Telegraph, Chelsea has excluded Disasi from their future plans and will listen to offers for him during this transfer period. In the transfer market, Disasi's valuation is 30 million euros, and his contract has another four and a half years left. Chelsea expects a transfer fee of around 25 million euros for Disasi.
On the front line, Felix, who has shown no improvement, can be considered another "culprit." As one of the most watched top young stars in European football in the past, Felix's growth has fallen far short of expectations. In the transfer market, Felix's valuation has dropped from over 100 million euros to just 30 million euros. Judging from this season's performance, Felix occupies Palmer's space on the field, thereby affecting the performance of this core player. At the same time, Felix's own offensive efficiency is also quite unsatisfactory, scoring only 1 goal and 1 assist in 10 league matches. Compared with Sancho and Neto, who are gradually improving, Felix obviously does not meet the team's requirements. Currently, Chelsea management is preparing to "correct the mistake," and Felix is about to be officially put "on the shelf." This means that his departure is imminent.
There is hope to quickly sign a 70 million euro center-back
With the decision to sell the above two key players, Chelsea's recruitment has also officially started. In defense, Chelsea needs to sign a backbone player, like the role of Thiago Silva before. According to The Mail, they have set their sights on Araujo. After being out for a long time due to injury, Araujo has recently officially recovered. However, due to the unsuccessful progress of the contract renewal with the team, Barcelona intends to put him up for sale. In terms of personal ability, Araujo is considered a top center-back in European football, excelling in both individual defensive skills and commanding the defense. It is reported that Chelsea is expected to soon make an offer and strive to quickly sign this center-back valued at 70 million euros.
About to make an official offer for a 110 million euro center-forward
On the front line, Nicholas Jackson's performance this season has improved, but he is still far from being a top scorer. Especially in key battles, it is difficult for him to become the main reliance of the team. According to London Football, Chelsea has identified Lautaro Martinez as the main target for this position and is trying to complete this epic transfer. In the past few seasons, Lautaro has proven himself to have grown into a top striker, with decisive performances at Inter Milan and the Argentine national team. It is reported that Chelsea is ready and is about to make an official offer for this Inter Milan star.