Liam Rosenior may look to make additions to his Chelsea squad this month.placeholder image
Liam Rosenior may look to make additions to his Chelsea squad this month. | Getty Images
Chelsea could rival Arsenal for a major transfer target this year amid huge La Liga links
Chelsea made it successive wins under new head coach Liam Rosenior as the Blues overcame Cypriot side Pafos 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League on Wednesday.
It was hardly a vintage performance against one of the lower-ranked sides in the competition, but a goal from Moises Caicedo in the 78th minute proved the difference as the Blues moved into the top eight with a fourth win in seven European encounters this season.
This follows up London derby victories over Brentford and Charlton Athletic and a narrow 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, with Rosenior having made a solid start to life in west London since arriving from Strasbourg to replace former head coach Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea ‘make contact’ over signing of Arda Guler
Latest reports by journalist Mark Brus on the Daily Briefing reveal that Chelsea are set to rival Arsenal for the signing of Real Madrid star Arda Guler, amid claims by sources that the Blues have been ‘checking in’ with the player and his representatives ‘several times’ in recent months.
Guler is not believed to be in any rush to leave the Bernabeu at present, but transfer links have persisted. Arsenal are said to be ‘keen’ on the playmaker and hold a historical interest dating back to 2024, something which was later confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.
Reporting continues that a move for Guler to London could be ‘one to watch’, although it would be a highly difficult transfer to pull off with the player having become key under previous head coach Xabi Alonso. Under new boss Alvaro Arbeloa, the Turkish starlet will believe he can nail down a starting spot once again but if he doesn’t, a move to the Premier League could become an increasing possibility. Despite a high asking price, he is ‘not considered untouchable’ at Real.
Blues could rival Arsenal for La Liga starlet
Guler is growing into somewhat of an assist king at the Bernabeu and has bagged three goals and 11 assists in 31 appearances so far this season. He could arrive at Stamford Bridge to offer competition to the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer, capable of shining in attacking midfield or in a deeper central role.
One source told the Daily Briefing: “It’s not one for January, for sure, but let’s see in the summer – Real would probably have a serious think about it for €90m-€100m.”
Despite the belief that an exit for Guler appears unlikely this month, both Chelsea and Arsenal will no doubt remain aware of his situation in the Spanish capital and continue to sound out the possibility of a summer move over the coming weeks and months.
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