In a report not too dissimilar to stuff we’ve heard repeatedly since the summer — here’s a prime example from late September — Chelsea are once again supposedly planning a summer spending spree. This report, just like the September one, comes from Matt Law of the Telegraph, so we can be fairly confident in assuming that it isn’t just absolute hogwash.
#cfc already planning summer spending spree to avoid another post-title implosion | @Matt_Law_DT reports https://t.co/KlIq5cpA5p
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) February 1, 2017
Whether the club actually follow through, or it’s just some basic PR exercise to assuage any “fears” from a winter transfer window of zero buying, we shall have to wait and see. The assumption of course is that just like last summer and three summers ago, we’ll make a few targeted acquisitions (even if we have to wait until deadline day) and not make the same mistakes as in 2015 (or in 2010, if we want to look back even further). In the modern Premier League, sitting still is not an option anymore.
As far as names go, it’s a list that you could’ve put together yourself if you’ve been paying attention: Virgil van Dijk, Álvaro Morata, Moussa Dembélé, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Djibril Sidibe, and a backup goalkeeper to be named later. The report does mention that a Courtois contract offer is still very much part of the plans, but paints a far less positive picture about Diego Costa (and Cesc Fàbregas, too!). All as expected then.
There will be changes, some forced and others initiated, with captain John Terry not expected to be handed a new contract, goalkeeper Asmir Begovic heading out and the futures of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa very much in doubt.
-source: Telegraph
Plans can and do change, but that’s the master blueprint for now.