Of course we can’t name and shame in terms of sources, which immediately casts doubt over the credibility of the news (however we would point out this is the same source that told us about the Zhirkov deal, Lampard’s hamstring being far less serious than reported in the press and the tribunal fee for Sturridge – all before it broke in the press) but we’ll pass the gossip on all the same.
In terms of ‘ins’ the news is thin on the ground – as the club are yet to finalise the details of who will and who will not be at the club from the existing squad this season.
One ongoing saga is that of Athletico Madrid forward Sergio Aguero. As exclusively brought to you in January here on Blue Tinted the two clubs remain close on valuation, however Chelsea’s policy in recent years of setting an absolute limit on any transfer (fee, agents fee and wages) mean that the current situation is a stalemate.
Athletico won’t lower their valuation of their forward any further, and the player remains stubborn on his wage demands – the sum of which are over the limit Chelsea have placed on this transfer. The result is both clubs informing the player that if he wants a transfer he will have to sort out the ‘difference’ in terms of his salary and agent fees. Chelsea believe this policy will force down the amount paid to agents – a personal battle fought by Roman - and also bring the player within the pre-existing wage structure at the club. Watch this space.
Onwards then to the existing squad. With comments from Ron Gourlay, Bruce Buck and Carlo Ancelotti all much the same the news is that 3 to 5 players will depart the squad this summer and a similar number will come in. Gourlay has gone further in interviews in suggesting it is the clubs preference that transfer funds be raised from departures, however with the value of dispensable assets being low this seems an optimistic target – one which he confirms as such when adding that the option to go to the ‘bank’ (Roman) is there if the player is right.
A positive note is the club have already outlined a potential £20million a year wage reduction (notwithstanding additions) from the current squad, with an additional £15mill raised from transfer fees.
Deco – The Portuguese international playmaker has stated on more than one occasion his willingness to leave the club this summer and, on £100k a week, the club are happy to grant his wish. A potential transfer in the region of £4million has been discussed with two Brazilian clubs and a deal is expected to be sorted by the World Cup.
Belletti – The highly decorated Brazilian utility player’s contract expires this summer and with no fresh offer from the club it is expected he too will return to Brazil, an intention he announced via his Twitter account. An approximate saving of £50k a week will be made by allowing this contract to expire.
Hilario - The signing of Croatian Goalkeeper Matej Delac, the rumoured acquisition of Kasper Schmeichel and improvement over the last 12 months of previous summer signing Ross Turnbull has persuaded the club the services of our newly capped Portuguese international can be dispensed with. A potential destination being Sporting Lisbon no fee is expected to be collected from this transfer other than the paying off of his contract; however a saving of £60k a week is not to be sniffed at.
Carvalho - a combination of injury problems, the form of Ivanovic and Alex plus historically stating his intention to leave in previous summers has put Carvalho on the ‘at risk’ list of players the club are willing to listen to offers for. It is widely believed that regardless of which club he’s at, Jose Mourinho will return for Carvalho and hope to get his man at the third time of asking. A bid of around £9mill is expected to secure his signature but this is by no means a certain transfer.
Ballack - The unlucky German today confirmed as out of the World Cup due to the ridiculous and intentional challenge of Fresh Prince Boateng is considered again ‘at risk’ by the club in terms of their certainty over a new deal. An replication of his existing contract of £110k a week is certain not to be achieved, and his future at the club depends now on whether the player will meet a halved salary 1-year extension. German club Schalke retain a strong interest in Ballack however could not offer more in terms of money, yet almost certainly more in terms of minutes.
The omission of Joe Cole and Nicolas Anelka from this list signifies the clubs stance on their current contract situations, with both players strongly desired by the manager and thus deals are expected to be signed soon (although in Joe’s case he is apparently being a bit difficult about playing time).
So! You know who’s likely to be off according to this source, take it as you will.
In terms of transfers in the only news we have on this is the club are again likely to sign at least one young, British based player however with the success of the clubs academy this is no longer a priority.
When we hear more on this we’ll let you know, it remains to be seen what Carlo’s advice to the club will be on the squad he needs to defend the Double…