Rosenior could do with an addition or twoplaceholder image
Rosenior could do with an addition or two | Getty Images
Chelsea are said to have changed their plans after falling behind in a transfer race.
Chelsea are now said to have pulled out of a race to sign a reported target of theirs this month. The Blues have seen their January transfer priorities change over the last week, at least in terms of the actual players.
Liam Rosenior and the Chelsea recruitment staff established that a centre-back and a midfielder would be needed to give this team the best chance of securing back-to-back top four finishes.
That is perhaps why Chelsea have recalled Aaron Anselmino from a loan spell with Borussia Dortmund, although it’s not totally clear what Chelsea’s plan is for the 20-year-old. As for the London club’s plan to sign a midfielder, it seems as though they will try to sign a middle player on the cheap or on loan, given it is a position of less urgency.
Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, who is on loan with Nottingham Forest, was named as an option for Chelsea, but it now seems as though Aston Villa will move to take the Brazilian back to Villa Park, leading to the Blues walking away from a deal.
Fabrizio Romano posted on X: “Aston Villa back in active talks for Douglas Luiz after initial approach revealed last week. Negotiations ongoing with Juventus while Chelsea are also exploring different options in midfield. #AVFC working on Douglas Luiz return as priority with 2 more options on list.”
Emery demanding of Luiz
Villa boss Emery has worked with Luiz previously at the club, and he has had a very honest relationship with the Brazilian. Back in 2023, the Basque boss said after Luiz was called up for his country: “It is very important and I am very happy for him. But I am also demanding with him, very demanding. He is progressing and playing well. He is playing more consistent at home than away.
"I was speaking with him and told him he is very important for us and Aston Villa and progressing a lot but: ‘You can do more. I am going to try and push you to do more. Of course I am very happy for your call up and think it is very important for you and the club as well.’
"I think he can take more responsibility in our build-up. Of course he is scoring a lot of goals but he can add more assists, as a midfielder for our strikers. He can be more of a protagonist with the ball, I think.
"For example, on Sunday at Nottingham Forest I was waiting for more from him with the ball when we were in possession. I was wanting more and demanding more. The last matches we played away at Wolverhampton, Alkmaar and Nottingham are three examples where he could do more. Every day in our meetings I am being demanding with everyone. But speaking now about him, it is very good news he is in his national squad but we can get more from him."
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