Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Chelsea could end the week by selling three strikers. Liam Delap is close to joining Nottingham Forest for £50m, while Nicolas Jackson is nearing a move to Aston Villa.
Napoli have made a bid for Marc Guiu and while it is below Chelsea’s £25m asking price, it suggests a deal or a compromise could be met. If all three go, it will be interesting to see if a replacement is signed.
With Joao Pedro, Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha remaining at the club, the need for a fourth centre-forward while Chelsea are not in Europe is minimal. But a versatile attacker could be considered.
Joe Cole tells Chelsea to sign Marcus Rashford
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Emegha is no stranger to injury; the same goes for Jamie Gittens and Estevao. Bringing in a player that can play on both flanks, primarily the left and up front would suit. Step forward, Marcus Rashford.
According to reports on Wednesday, Chelsea are making a late move for the returning Manchester United ace. Rashford wanted to join Barcelona permanently, but Barca opted against activating his £26m clause.
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Danny Welbeck knows how to get the best out of Rashford
Clearly, Rashford is a quality player. His 29 goals and assists in 49 Barcelona appearances prove he is still one of the best left-wingers in European football, though it is also quite clear he needs a fresh start.
There are a handful of players that have played alongside Rashford in the Chelsea squad, but Welbeck knows him best. The two spent time together at United and with England throughout Rashford’s career.
England v Slovakia - FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier
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Speaking in 2018, Welbeck shared how to get the best out of Rashford – which some managers have failed to do. He said: “He has been free to play. The manager told him to go out there and be free.
“Express yourself. The structure we have got as a team means we all know what we have got to do, so when you are in a certain position you know you have got lots of choices,” Welbeck said about him.
How much would Chelsea have to spend to get Rashford?
Barcelona had a £26m clause in their loan deal for Rashford, but have instead spent a fortune on new signing Anthony Gordon. The Man United man has returned to Old Trafford, and is wearing no.9.
Robert Sanchez's errors leading to goal
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Clearly, Michael Carrick likes Rashford and hopes he can get back to his best. Financially, though, Man United would surely be tempted to remove Rashford’s pay cheque from the wage bill if possible.
Man United are not going to accept a £26m bid for Rashford from a direct Premier League rival. The Blues are about to receive a massive influx of cash from player sales and United know this. A big bid is needed.
But if Chelsea managed to get Rashford, it would be a huge signal of intent – more so than when Villa got him on loan, because of the season he has just had with Barcelona. It could mean a title charge.