European action means that Chelsea are again in midweek action this week in what is a busy time for both the squad and Enzo Maresca.
The Blues take on Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night (8pm kick-off) in the latest league game in the UEFA Conference League. Chelsea are then back in Premier League action on Sunday as they travel to take on Everton at Goodison Park for the last time (2pm kick-off).
As well as the busy fixture list, eyes will be turning to the January transfer window with just two weeks until it opens. Clubs, including Chelsea will be looking to use the window to strengthen their squad ahead of the second half of the season.
It’s no surprise then that there is transfer talk around Stamford Bridge. With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at a couple of the latest stories over the last 24 hours.
Marcus Rashford opportunity
Marcus Rashford has admitted that he is ready to move on from Manchester United amid talk over his future at the club.
The forward was left out of the squad completely for the Manchester derby at the weekend, adding to the speculation that he could move on in the January transfer window. The player himself has now spoken about his future.
"If I know that a situation is already bad I'm not going to make it worse,” he said in an interview with journalist Henry Winter. “I've seen how other players have left in the past and I don't want to be that person.
"When I leave I'll make a statement and it will be from me.
"When I leave it's going to be 'no hard feelings'. You're not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That's me as a person.
"For me, personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps."
FL says : Rashford’s stance could open the door to clubs, including Chelsea to do a deal with United over the forward, much like what happened with Jadon Sancho in the summer.
The winger joined the Blues on loan from United. It could be a possibility should United not wish to sell, or not get the price they are looking for.
It feels that Rashford needs a new club to rediscover the form that he has previously shown in the Premier League. A move could be a good thing for all parties involved.
Striker interest renewed
Both Chelsea and Arsenal have been linked with an interest in Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic ahead of the January transfer window. Gazzetta dello Sport report that negotiations over a new contract between the player and Juve have ‘not yet been unblocked’ with his deal running out in 2026. It could therefore give Chelsea a chance to make their move.
The report says that the Blues are keen to add competition to their striking department with an ‘upgrade’ on Nicolas Jackson.
FL says: It’s no secret that Chelsea continue to be linked with strikers, but the need for one in January is probably not as important as is the summer. That’s due to Jackson’s performances under Enzo Maresca this season.
You can never have too many striking options though, and if the right deal becomes available that is going to add more goals to the squad, then it’s something that Chelsea should pursue. But not to the detriment of other areas of the squad.