I think we will buy someone of starting 11 quality. Not sure though.

It's a big question. Anelka is the only January signing of recent memory that was more or less a starting 11 man from the start, but I don't see that happening this time around. A squad striker (not one that can play on the wing like Anelka, an out and out striker) and a squad centre back most likely. But who knows, they could originally be squad players, but have the best half season of their lives, and next season they're our #9.

I really dont think so.

If we get that kind of player, I think its gonna be in the summer. But as RBJ says, there could always be a surprise.

It's a big question. Anelka is the only January signing of recent memory that was more or less a starting 11 man from the start, but I don't see that happening this time around. A squad striker (not one that can play on the wing like Anelka, an out and out striker) and a squad centre back most likely. But who knows, they could originally be squad players, but have the best half season of their lives, and next season they're our #9.

Anelka wasn't really a starter right away if my memory serves me correctly, he spent the best part of the end of 2007-08 on the bench and wasn't overly happy about it, particualrly after Moscow where he blamed his pen miss on Avram for making him take one when he had only been on five minutes. It was only after Scolari came in and Drogba was injured that he started to play more regularly.

I agree with WW, it would be a surprise for us to sign anyone first team. Mainly because anyone who is good enough to knock someone out of our first team is not going to be allowed to leave mid season (unless he is from the Russian league given their season has finished.)

Edited December 20, 201014 yr by Spiller86

I think we'd like to, and I think we will if a suitable player (or players) becomes available at a suitable price. Two big IFs there. Not that I actually expect us to sign any of the players mentioned, but this is the big rumour that's been doing the rounds lately :

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has informed the club's hierarchy about three players he wishes to sign, according to the Mirror.

The Blues' owner Roman Abramovich has reportedly assured the Italian boss of available funds to overhaul the English champions' aging squad and Ancelotti has named three players he wishes to bring to Stamford Bridge.

The three names linked with big-money moves to Chelsea are Internazionale's Wesley Sneijder, Bayern München midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger and striker Andrew Carroll of Newcastle United.

However, striking these deals would demand a lot of money power as all three players are tied to their clubs with long-term contracts as well as being wanted by a host of top European clubs.

LINK

Sneijder is more then welcome, and Schweinsteiger but not that big of a fan of Carroll, do you really think he can become a top striker in Europe?

Schweinsteiger and Sneijder have both recently signed new contracts.... very doubtful.

buy 'em all

I don't think we will buy anyone who will just walk straight into the starting eleven. When everyone is fit we have a very strong team on the pitch. But we might buy someone who will get some time and in the future perhaps replace someone.

As for Sneijer, Schweinsteiger and Carroll I would say that it's three interesting names, but I would be very surprised if we signed any of them (atleast any of the first two).

Our midfield is Lampard - Mikel - Essien and I don't think we would put any of them on the bench to let someone like Sneijder or Schweinsteiger play.

Sneijder would be a dream signing. One of my favorite players. Playmaker, skilled, great finisher and shooter and the big bonus is his hardworking mentality. Bastian Schweinsteiger would be dream signing #2 for me.

Andy Caroll is a pure finisher which is always welcome.

Our midfield is Lampard - Mikel - Essien and I don't think we would put any of them on the bench to let someone like Sneijder or Schweinsteiger play.

Don't expect us to sign anyone but Mikel or Sneijder

or Mikel or Schweinsteiger?

"Mikel, let me introduce you to this thing called a bench..................................."

we definately will not sign 2 midfielders of that quality , would love 1 but I think wel end up wasting money on a Steve sidwell or tal ben haim type of player. I think we should be in for ganso ahead of those 2, much more chance of him coming, and he'd be able to play in Europe. But I'm not too hopeful judging by our recent transfer activity. I think the shevchencko saga has made rman over cautious.

If we can get Sneijder, we have f**kin good replace for Lampard.

edit:

Zdravko Mamić says today that first plan for Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is to bring Luka Modrić in january.

Edited December 20, 201014 yr by amART

IOur midfield is Lampard - Mikel - Essien and I don't think we would put any of them on the bench to let someone like Sneijder or Schweinsteiger play.

Hmmm, Mikel or Sneijder? that's a toughie!

Hmmm, Mikel or Sneijder? that's a toughie!

Not really. I'd take Mikel any day. He's the best defensive midfielder we've got. The question would rather be which one of Lampard and Essien you would put on the bench. Now that's a tougher one.

I wanted us to get Sneijder when he was on the bench at Real, and I'd still take him today. but these names have been doing the rounds for a while now, and I don't know where they are coming up with Carrol as a target all of a sudden?

I think Inter wouldn't want to let Sneijder go at this stage, plus he's Cup tied. If we are looking in Italy, I'd put in a cheeky bid for Hamsik of Napoli.

Anyway, as Hutch said, there are too many "IF's" to be taking any of this that serious

Zdravko Mamić says today that first plan for Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is to bring Luka Modrić in january.

If we can get a decent price for him, this would be a fantastic purchase. Hopefully the signing of Van der Vaart will blind Redknapp to how good and crucial to Tottenham's recent success Modric has been.

I'd even be willing to take back my 'diving little snot' comment...

January's transfer window is a tough time to obtain any decent players, save and except from those teams out of the running for their respective leagues. Cup games are still to play for across Europe...don 't expect a lot and if we do find a team who wants to let a good player go expect to pay over the true value of the player....will be pleasantly surprised if we get anyone of note. :unsure:

If we can get a decent price for him, this would be a fantastic purchase. Hopefully the signing of Van der Vaart will blind Redknapp to how good and crucial to Tottenham's recent success Modric has been.

I'd even be willing to take back my 'diving little snot' comment...

Unlikely. I remember 'Arry saying last year that Modric was the only world-class player that he has.

Missed the boat with Sneijder, should have made a move before he joined Inter, should use our resources to capture the NEXT Sneijder.

Carroll is interesting, he has been very good in all the matches I have watched him in.

More on Modric.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3310886/Modric-is-top-Chelsea-target.html

Not really. I'd take Mikel any day. He's the best defensive midfielder we've got. The question would rather be which one of Lampard and Essien you would put on the bench. Now that's a tougher one.

Then you must be insane!

Sneijder is in a different class to Mikel. He's not a defensive midfielder, but then neither is Mikel - not really. With Sneijder though you would get creativity and a few goals.

If I was Carlo I would scrap the defensive midfielder role anyway. I think unless you have a Makele or a De Jong, who are good enough to play the role and have the discipline required, it's a waste of time and a waste of a position. Give me three or four midfield players who can all contribute something any day.

If I was Carlo I would scrap the defensive midfielder role anyway. I think unless you have a Makele or a De Jong, who are good enough to play the role and have the discipline required, it's a waste of time and a waste of a position. Give me three or four midfield players who can all contribute something any day.

Thats an interesting point and our recent performances have indicated that the "pure" DM role is more of a drawback while chasing a game. Which is also probably a reason Mikel is being subbed very often these days. If the DM role is scrapped I'd be very surprised if Mikel still made it to the starting 11 (with everyone fit).

Edited December 21, 201014 yr by Maverick

Then you must be insane!

Sneijder is in a different class to Mikel. He's not a defensive midfielder, but then neither is Mikel - not really. With Sneijder though you would get creativity and a few goals.

If I was Carlo I would scrap the defensive midfielder role anyway. I think unless you have a Makele or a De Jong, who are good enough to play the role and have the discipline required, it's a waste of time and a waste of a position. Give me three or four midfield players who can all contribute something any day.

Mikel can do it and has done it all this season. To scrap the defensive midfielder role would be a huge mistake.

Then you must be insane!

Sneijder is in a different class to Mikel. He's not a defensive midfielder, but then neither is Mikel - not really. With Sneijder though you would get creativity and a few goals.

If I was Carlo I would scrap the defensive midfielder role anyway. I think unless you have a Makele or a De Jong, who are good enough to play the role and have the discipline required, it's a waste of time and a waste of a position. Give me three or four midfield players who can all contribute something any day.

Mikel is playing as a DM though, therefore it simply wouldnt be either Mikel or Sneider. If anything it wuold be 2 of Lampard/Essien/Sneider in the current formation we play.