Chelsea reject late bids for Nathan Aké, Asmir Begović

The 2017 winter transfer window has now slammed shut, and as far as we can tell, the only bit of unfinished business that Chelsea have left is the official confirmation for Branislav Ivanović's move to Zenit St. Petersburg. Since the Russian Premier League’s transfer window closes a bit later, there’s no huge rush; Ivanović was confirmed to have arrived in St. Petersburg earlier Tuesday, so this is only a matter of time now.

There was a bit of late excitement however with AFC Bournemouth’s surprise bid for Nathan Aké, whom Chelsea recalled from the Cherries a few weeks ago. Bournemouth were hoping to take back their former loan signing on a more permanent basis this time, but even though Aké was left out of the matchday squad against Liverpool (he did travel with the team), Chelsea rejected the approach. Bornemouth boss Eddie Howe confirmed all this after their 0-2 home defeat against Crystal Palace.

“We had discussions with Chelsea. We made an enquiry about bringing him back on loan or permanently, but that was denied.”

Good.

Also staying at Chelsea will be Asmir Begović after Chelsea failed to secure a replacement backup goalkeeper. Unlike Aké, Begović was on the bench as usual against Liverpool and confirmed that he’s staying with journalists after the match.

Bego will probably leave in the summer, should circumstances remain unchanged, but this is good news for now. There were rumors of Watford making a late approach, offering £10m and Heurelho Gomes in exchange, but I presume we just laughed that off.

While Begović and Aké made the headlines, the trio of Ola Aina, Kenedy, and Charly Musonda have basically been confirmed to be staying with the first-team for the rest of the season, adding even more of a “homegrown” feel to proceedings this month.

With Chelsea nine points clear now at the top of the table, this is probably just fine. Onwards to the weekend and Arsenal at the Bridge!