Andre Villas-Boas acknowledged this week that Chelsea’s challenge to win the Premier League could be “over.”
Speaking after the 1-1 Boxing Day draw with Fulham, Villas-Boas told BBC Sport that “with City and United continuing to get the points they are getting, it’ll be difficult. Maybe the Premier League is over for us at the moment.”
It is a common belief of fans and pundits that one of the biggest tasks facing AVB is revamping an aging squad.
This January, Villas-Boas will have an opportunity to revamp the Chelsea dressing room, and if he truly believes that this season’s title bid is “over,” what better time to do it?
With half a season left, AVB would have time to bed in players who would fit his system and style of play if he was to make moves in January, rather than waiting for next summer.
As far as incoming transfer targets for Chelsea, players from AVB’s former club FC Porto are an obvious choice. Not only does Villas-Boas have a good relationship with many of them, but Porto’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League could mean they cash in on some of their big name stars.
Brazilian striker Hulk is one of the most hotly tipped players to join Stamford Bridge, and would be a powerful addition to the Chelsea front line.
Hulk poured in goals for Porto last season under Villas-Boas, and his agent suggested this week that a reunion was possible. “(Hulk and AVB) had a fantastic time at Porto together. The relationship between the two cannot be better,” Theodoro Fonseca told The Daily Mirror newspaper.
Chelsea’s reported transfer targets include Bolton Wanderers center back Gary Cahill, who could be tabbed as a long-term replacement for Terry. Other players reported to be on the radar include Ajax right-back Gregory van der Wiel, and Spurs midfielder Luka Modric.
If Chelsea pull the trigger on signing a number of players, it is logical that a few will be heading out of the exit door.
Nicolas Anelka and Alex are already on the way out after handing in transfer requests, and AVB could send a surprising big name out also to make a statement.
If Hulk joins, surely it is the end for Didier Drogba and/or Fernando Torres, especially given the excellent form of young English striker Daniel Sturridge.
As for midfield, Frank Lampard leaving would cause shock waves, but it could greatly benefit AVB’s rebuilding of the club. It is a news story when Lampard is benched, and a distraction that the Blues could likely do without.
Lampard is a legend at the Bridge, but is spending more and more time as a reserve, and Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid is a big fan of the England midfielder. If Lampard was to go, it would also bring in a hefty sum for new blood.
Chelsea's transfer activity in January will be an excellent indicator of AVB’s intended direction for the club, and the moves he makes will have an impact at the Bridge for years to come.
It is a common belief of fans and pundits that one of the biggest tasks facing AVB is revamping an aging squad.
This January, Villas-Boas will have an opportunity to revamp the Chelsea dressing room, and if he truly believes that this season’s title bid is “over,” what better time to do it?
With half a season left, AVB would have time to bed in players who would fit his system and style of play if he was to make moves in January, rather than waiting for next summer.
As far as incoming transfer targets for Chelsea, players from AVB’s former club FC Porto are an obvious choice. Not only does Villas-Boas have a good relationship with many of them, but Porto’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League could mean they cash in on some of their big name stars.
Brazilian striker Hulk is one of the most hotly tipped players to join Stamford Bridge, and would be a powerful addition to the Chelsea front line.
Hulk poured in goals for Porto last season under Villas-Boas, and his agent suggested this week that a reunion was possible. “(Hulk and AVB) had a fantastic time at Porto together. The relationship between the two cannot be better,” Theodoro Fonseca told The Daily Mirror newspaper.
Chelsea’s reported transfer targets include Bolton Wanderers center back Gary Cahill, who could be tabbed as a long-term replacement for Terry. Other players reported to be on the radar include Ajax right-back Gregory van der Wiel, and Spurs midfielder Luka Modric.
If Chelsea pull the trigger on signing a number of players, it is logical that a few will be heading out of the exit door.
Nicolas Anelka and Alex are already on the way out after handing in transfer requests, and AVB could send a surprising big name out also to make a statement.
If Hulk joins, surely it is the end for Didier Drogba and/or Fernando Torres, especially given the excellent form of young English striker Daniel Sturridge.
As for midfield, Frank Lampard leaving would cause shock waves, but it could greatly benefit AVB’s rebuilding of the club. It is a news story when Lampard is benched, and a distraction that the Blues could likely do without.
Lampard is a legend at the Bridge, but is spending more and more time as a reserve, and Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid is a big fan of the England midfielder. If Lampard was to go, it would also bring in a hefty sum for new blood.
Chelsea's transfer activity in January will be an excellent indicator of AVB’s intended direction for the club, and the moves he makes will have an impact at the Bridge for years to come.
