Former Blues midfielder Gus Poyet believes Chelsea’s January transfer business will revolve heavily around James’ recovery from knee surgery. The Uruguayan also pointed to Xabi Alonso’s preferred defensive model as a key influence during his chat with Standard Sport.
James, who had minor surgery on his knee earlier this month, is not expected to return to action until around mid-January. Poyet, who played for the Blues between 1997 and 2001, expects the club’s plans to become much clearer after the international break in November.
Assessing what exactly the Blues may need to address in their recruiting drive, Poyet said to Standard Sport:
> “I think Chelsea and Alonso will make a good analysis of that. It will depend on the recovery of Reece James, without any doubt, and on any kind of issue you have between now and December. Also on the confirmation that the system is going to be three at the back or four, depending on how you are going to play.”
The former midfielder added that it was a little early to identify potential targets, when he said the following:
> “I think it is a little bit early \[right now\]. Probably next month, after the international break, we will know a little more. Xabi Alonso, as the one who is responsible, will know which position he would like to cover or where to bring something different, because sometimes it is about the characteristics of the players and not the position.”
Midfield remains the area of most need for Alonso’s men this season. They sold Enzo Fernández to Manchester City in a record-equalling £125m deal on deadline day, before missing out on a £47m move for Monaco’s Lamine Camara at the death, when Monaco pulled out.
Bournemouth’s Alex Scott remains a priority target for the Blues, with BBC Sport reporting that the Cherries would consider selling the midfielder for around £100m in January. Roma’s Manu Koné is their primary alternative, should a move for Scott prove elusive.
Gus Poyet Demands Top-Four Finish From Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea
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Gus Poyet has set a target for the Blues this season following their promising start under Xabi Alonso. They climbed to fourth in the Premier League table with a 2-0 win over Everton last weekend.
Alonso’s men have now won two league games in a row, scoring seven goals and only surrendering one in the process. They will look to continue their excellent form when they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Stamford Bridge this Saturday evening.
> When asked where he feels the club must finish in the league this season, Poyet replied:
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> “A hundred per cent, top four. They need to finish in the top four.”
Chelsea have a Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool to look forward to next Wednesday before they host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on 31 October.