Aguero, an Argentinean international as famous for his on-field moments of magic as his off-field marriage to Marradonna’s daughter, has widely been linked to the club for several months now.
With Carlo Ancelotti stating only this week that the club would “100%” not be making any signings in January it would appear this is but a bluff to the clubs strategy. With the verdict coming in 2010 on whether to uphold our transfer ban (currently suspended by CAS) or not, the winter transfer window could represent the only chance to infuse new international class blood into an ageing squad.
Aguero was linked with the club way before we played Athletico, however his two goals – one an accurate volleyed finish and the other a beautiful free-kick – will only have served to increase Roman’s likelihood of signing the cheque.
Aguero is reported in the Sun today as saying:
“"Chelsea are interested in me because they think I can play an important role for the team. And I think I fit with their style of play."
"Of course I watch the Premier League on TV and I think it is the best league in the world, along with the Spanish league."
"There are a lot of very good players but, right now, the top striker in the Premier League is without doubt, Drogba," he said. "After comes Fernando Torres, but Drogba is the best."
This seems to us not only a clear confirmation of our interest in the player (and the fact discussions have taken more detail than enquiry, if the player is aware of the role we feel he could play) but also that he is pro the move.
A deal being struck in January normally wouldn’t be the solution both parties would look for, with Aguero being cup-tied for the Champions League and Athletico needing to improve their league position to qualify for Europe once again next season.
That is, though, what leads the story down an interesting path. Athletico’s financial future is heavily in doubt with the club owing tens of millions to various sources. The trade-off would appear to be what offers best value to them in terms of securing their future – on the one hand they retain their player and hope his performances secure Europe, but with no additional reinforcements to the squad.
On the other hand they ‘bank’ and cash in on Aguero now, securing their short and medium term future regardless of qualifying for Europe and being able to invest in one of two south American strikers they are confirmed to currently be scouting.
So the key questions are;
Are Chelsea interested in Aguero? – Yes. Confirmed.
Is Aguero interested in Chelsea? – Yes. Confirmed.
What will Athletico do? – To be continued…(dramatic music)
I for one hope we bring him in, a player able to play at the tip of the diamond or as an out-and-out forward it would appear the Argentine is an ideal fit for our team, and would be a shot in the arm for a department not only weakened in January but currently under-performing (if you’re reading this Deco or Joey, buck your ideas up!)
Come on Chelsea, invest in quality to add to the title push!
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