Chelsea’s January transfer plan revealed – ‘They’re addicted to buying players’
Chelsea may look to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window to cement their top four place in the Premier League table.
That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who also states that injuries may play a part in any transfer business at Chelsea.
Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Everton currently has Enzo Maresca’s side in the final Champions League spot, but the likes of Liverpool and Man United are just two points behind.
Liam Delap’s injury against Bournemouth could force Maresca to sign a new forward, whilst the goalkeeping position has long been one of concern at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s ‘injury situation’ could dictate January plans
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Chelsea are “addicted” to buying players.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness though does think that Maresca wants a “settled squad.”
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I know Liam Delap had another bad knock [vs Bournemouth], I don’t know how long term that is, but certainly if there’s an injury situation and they still feel that they’re in that hunt for the top four, they will strengthen I think.
“But it would be injuries rather than actual planning, because I think Maresca wants to at least get some sort of settled squad and that’s what seems to have paid dividends for the reasonably good run and form. I thought he’d have a couple of blips recently.
“I think he wants to try and keep a settled squad, but if there was to be something like an injury, I say, then they would come back in the market in January and I don’t think they can stop themselves. They can’t help themselves. They’re going to have to buy something. They’re addicted.”
Enzo Maresca faces uncertain future
Maresca’s future at Chelsea is now uncertain following comments he made after their victory over Everton.
The Italian said he had the “worst 48 hours” since he joined the club, which has fuelled speculation that he was talking about his relationship with Chelsea’s owners.
Maresca did not clear up the comments in his press conference prior to Chelsea’s Carabao Cup tie away to League One side Cardiff for a place in the semi-finals of the competition.