The priorities for Chelsea in the upcoming transfer window are likely to be sorting out the long list of centre-backs and bringing in a new goalkeeper. But Chelsea have also looked at Joaquin Panichelli.
Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have failed to shine between the sticks, and there are currently 10 senior options at centre-back, including those injured and out on loan. Both positions need sorting out.
Chelsea are always busy in the summer, and the upcoming window promises to be no different. Joao Pedro has sparkled up front, but the drop off behind him to Liam Delap and Marc Guiu is alarming.
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Chelsea have reportedly agreed a deal for Barco.
Delap has five Premier League clubs after him, and Guiu is likely to go on loan again. So, a new striker could also be considered, even with Emanuel Emegha joining the Blues and Nicolas Jackson returning.
Chelsea considered a reunion with Strasbourg’s Joaquin Panichelli
This summer, Strasbourg will already lose five players to Chelsea. Mike Penders, David Fofana and Aaron Anselmino will return after loans, while Emegha is due to join. Valentin Barco is also close to signing.
According to The Daily Mail, Chelsea considered making that six. Argentine striker Joaquin Panichelli has starred in Emegha’s absence, scoring 20 goals in 39 games this season, of which 16 have come in Ligue 1.
FBL-FRA-CUP-STRASBOURG-REIMS
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Panichelli might well have been tempted, given the presence of Rosenior and a solid contingent of Argentinians with Barco set to add to Enzo Fernandez, Alejandro Garnacho and loanee Anselmino.
But during the March international break and on duty with Argentina, Panichelli suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury. It has scuppered a move to Chelsea and ended any World Cup hopes, too.
What Liam Rosenior has said about Joaquin Panichelli
Rosenior’s 8-2 aggregate defeat to PSG was not the first time he has faced the Ligue 1 champions this season. Indeed, in October, Rosenior watched on as his Strasbourg side drew 3-3 with Luis Enrique’s side.
Hato, Joao Pedro or someone else? 🤔
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In that game, Panichelli scored a brace, and Rosenior raved about his performance as one of the best he has seen live from a centre-forward, clearly underlining his admiration of the former Alaves striker.
“The performance was one of the best centre-forward performances I have seen live, and it doesn’t surprise me, because he maximises himself in training every day. He works so hard,” Rosenior said.
But, at least for now, Panichelli will remain with Strasbourg until he is fit and firing again. Chelsea will have to look elsewhere, or they may even reintegrate Jackson following his loan at Bayern, and Emegha.
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