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      Chelsea need to sign these three stars in January, according to transfer supercomputer – including £100m teenage striker

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      CHESEA’S owners face a transfer dilemma in January on whether they should slow down their spending or continue splashing the cash.There is pressure building on Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino with the club 10th in the Premier League
      Mauricio Pochettino could be in line for some key additions in JanuaryCredit: Alamy
      A couple of key additions can vastly improve the BluesCredit: Getty
      And there is a growing expectation the club will spend in January to get them out of trouble.
      This would be coming on the back, however, of a £460million outlay in the summer as the club brought in the likes of Moises Caciedo, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, Axel Disasi and Lesley Ugochukwu.
      This came on the back of a £600m outlay the season before as Chelsea’s new ownership group looked to stamp their identity on the club.
      Despite this, the club find themselves well off the pace of where they want to be, sitting in 10th in the Premier League and 12 points off the top four.
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      So, given that Chelsea have invested such huge funds into their playing squad over the last 18 months, is further spending really the answer?
      The answer might actually prove to be yes but mainly because their recruitment to this point has not been good enough.
      But Total Football Analysis’ xGold tool has identified three players with similar profiles to top other top stars who could prove transformative for the Blues in the second half of the season.
      The xGold tool was previously used to identify names for Manchester United, with Chelsea now being the subject of the conversation.
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      1. Sacha Boey, RB, Galatasaray – £22m
      Sacha Boey has been identified as the ideal January recruit for ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Boey impressed in the Champions League this season
      The first area we have looked at is right back following another injury to club captain Reece James, with Manchester City’s Kyle Walker being used as the blueprint to replace the position.
      They have already brought in one French right-back in Malo Gusto to act as a backup option but xGold has identified a second Frenchman who has an 88 per cent likeness to Walker in Sacha Boey
      Here we see an example of Boey’s dangerous movement when moving in possession
      Boey dominated the right flank when playing at Old Trafford earlier this season
      The 23-year-old has impressed in the Champions League with Galatasaray and has the kind of profile that could work well in the Premier League.
      Boey is a fullback who can defend effectively and pass and move forward to support attacks and also possess the ability to tuck inside and support the centre-backs.
      He is a superior defender to Malo Gusto with the ability to tuck inside and support his central defenders.
      Boey is fast and strong but he also displays good game intelligence and anticipation.
      Here Boey receives the ball and is intelligent enough to wait for his team-mates run before playing a pass
      How Boey’s profile compares to Kyle Walker
      And all of this comes at a cool estimated cost of £22m,
      With James’ injury and right-back being an increasingly important position from a tactical point of view, the signing of a RB like Boey would give more depth and quality to the Chelsea squad going forward.
      2. Joao Neves, CM, Benfica – £105m
      Joao Neves is the second name who has been identified by xGoldCredit: Getty
      He has caught the eye at Benfica this season
      Using Man City star Rodri as our second blueprint, xGold has returned an 85 per cent with Benfica midfielder Joao Neves.
      Neves, 19, is already a full Portugal international and has a profile that would slot comfortably into the Premier League.
      Neves is intelligent enough to find space in midfield to dictate play from
      Neves has proven himself capable of being a heavy influence on games
      Despite £222 pairing Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caciedo already in the Chelsea midfield, there is a sense that they are still missing a midfielder who can be a true controller in deeper areas.
      Adding a midfielder like Neves, who likes to drop deeper and build the attack by receiving the ball from his defenders in high volume, would bring another dimension to the Chelsea midfield.
      This allows him to support build up play by creating numerical superiority which can progress the ball through an opposition press.
      His exemplary passing range is added to by the variety of passes he can play, making him an all-action midfielder that would give Chelsea a strong base to build from.
      Neves’ passing range mark him out as an excellent conductor
      How Neves compares to Rodri
      Neves, however, will not be cheap. And his estimated cost of £105m could be a big pill to swallow after already coughing up north of £100m on two other midfielders.
      However, he has the potential to go on to become one of the top players in World football and he certainly stabilise this Chelsea midfield.
      3. Evan Ferguson, ST, Brighton – £100m
      Evan Ferguson is the third star identified who can transform ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Ferguson has been tipped as a star for the future
      Considering the goal struggles among Chelsea’s forwards, the third star identified by xGold is Brighton’s Evan Ferguson, based off an 80 per cent match on the blueprint for Napoli ace Victor Osimhen.
      Chelsea have been regular Brighton shoppers in recent seasons – Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo were both big money signings from the Amex – but they need to pay one more major visit to the Seagulls.
      Ferguson’s profile mean he is capable of both holding up play and scoring goals himself
      Ferguson has proven himself capable of dropping deep and leading the line
      There are few better young forwards in world football than the 19-year-old Irish international, who is equally comfortable playing on the shoulder of the last defender or with his back to goal.
      He is the definition of a forward that has ‘good feet for a big man’ and when receiving back to goal he has the ability to take the ball and combine with team-mates effectively in attack.
      Ferguson is also, however, capable of receiving and spinning defenders who get too tight to him before driving forward and attacking towards the opposition penalty area.
      At this point in time Chelsea are missing a forward who gives a real presence to the attack and who can hold the ball and bring others into the game.
      Here Ferguson recieves the ball on the edge of the area before turning and curling a shot into the bottom corner
      How Ferguson compares to Victor Osimhen
      Given the speed Chelsea have in the wide areas and the technical players they have in the midfield, we believe adding a top-quality forward player will be the key in linking everything together.
      Once again, Ferguson is not a player who will come cheap with some reports putting his cost as high as £100m, but Ferguson could feature at the top of their attack for the next decade.
      Read more on The Sun
      Conclusion
      Using data and player profiles we can use tools like xGold to cut through the noise and sheer volume of players that are available to a team like Chelsea to help them to make smart decisions in terms of their recruitment.
      Do you want more than just a match report when it comes to your football content? Get the daily tactical analysis, data and scouting from Total Football Analysis for just £5.20 per month. You get 10+ articles per week, 2x digital magazines per month and access to our huge archive of articles, reports and more! More

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      Mauricio Pochettino names ‘worst Chelsea lineup ever witnessed’ as fans ask ‘what the hell is this’

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      CHELSEA fans have been left fuming with manager Mauricio Pochettino for the starting XI he named against Sheffield United.The Blues boss dropped Enzo Fernandez from his starting XI while also naming four natural centre-backs in the team.
      Mauricio Pochettino had fans fuming with his Chelsea line upCredit: PA
      Enzo Fernandez was named on the bench against Sheffield UnitedCredit: PA
      Pochettino also named Conor Gallagher and Moises Caicedo as his midfield pivot, with Cole Palmer playing ahead of them in a very attacking front four.
      Mykhailo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling were named on the wings in support of frontman Nicolas Jackson.
      There was one enforced change in goal with Djorde Petrovic making his debut between the sticks in place of the injured Robert Sanchez.
      But Blues fans took to social media to vent their frustration at the set up, with many arguing that Fernandez’s passing range would be effective in opening up Chris Wilder’s team.
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      Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan said: “We’re playing at home against a low block. A game that is perfectly poised for Enzo Fernández with his passing range.
      “Instead, we’re playing Caicedo and Gallagher in the pivot with 4 CBs. POCH, I can’t defend this.”
      A second said: “This is the worst lineup I have ever witnessed.”
      A third said: “WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?”
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      Another said: “Poch starting 4 cbs and no Enzo… most obvious 2-0 Sheff Utd FT.”
      However, there was room for optimism as blockbuster summer signing Christopher Nkunku was named on the bench.
      Chelsea have not lost against the Blades at home since 1992.
      In fact, Sheffield Utd have not even kept a clean sheet at Stamford Bridge since 1922.
      However, returning manager Chris Wilder was in the dugout the last time Sheffield Utd managed to beat Chelsea – a 3-0 win at Bramall Lane in 2020.
      With the match not being shown on TV today, you can keep up to date with the game on SunSport’s live blog.
      How Chelsea line up against Sheffield United More

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      Chelsea in shock transfer move for Arsenal outcast Aaron Ramsdale after Robert Sanchez hit by injury

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      CHELSEA are preparing to step up their pursuit of Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale after Robert Sanchez suffered an injury during the Blues’ 2-0 defeat to Everton.Spaniard Sanchez, 26, has started all 16 Premier League games for Mauricio Pochettino’s side so far this season following the departure of Edouard Mendy to Al-Ahli and Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan to Real Madrid.
      Aaron Ramsdale is being linked with a move across London in the January windowCredit: Getty
      Robert Sanchez suffered an injury in Chelsea’s defeat to EvertonCredit: Getty
      However, he now faces a period on the sideline after picking up a knee problem and being replaced in the 84th minute at Goodison Park on Sunday.
      Summer arrival Djordje Petrovic, who joined from New York Revolution, came on for the closing stages of the game.
      And the Serbian, 24, looks set to make his Premier League debut at home to Sheffield United on Saturday.
      But Pochettino is keen to bolster his squad in the January window and a keeper now looks to be on his wishlist.
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      It comes as Chelsea struggle for results as they sit 12th in the Premier League table with just five wins from their opening 16 games.
      Arsenal shot-stopper Ramsdale, 25, has been benched since the early stages of the new campaign following the arrival of David Raya from Brentford.
      The England international has featured in just five of the Gunners’ 16 league matches.
      Mikel Arteta is thought to be reluctant to let him leave in the mid-season window as it would leave him with 21-year-old Karl Hein as his back-up keeper.
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      Aaron Ramsdale has made just five Premier League appearances so far this season
      But talkSPORT understand Chelsea are keen to acquire Ramsdale as they join Newcastle in monitoring his situation.
      The Arsenal man was signed by Arteta in 2021 as he moved from Sheffield United for £30million.
      He has played 87 games for the club, conceding 96 goals and keeping 32 clean sheets. More

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      Chelsea transfer chiefs closely tracking ‘one of Europe’s most versatile defenders’ ahead of £34million transfer battle

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      CHELSEA are tracking the highly rated Torino and Italy defender Alessandro Buongiorno.Buongiorno has been one of the best defenders in Serie A this season and is attracting interest from across Europe.
      Buongiorno is now a starter for ItalyCredit: Getty
      The Blues’ scouting department have been tracking his games in recent weeks, and plan to continue watching him play over the festive period.
      Buongiorno has started in 14 games since the beginning of the season – 12 in Serie A and two in the Italian Cup, registering two goals and making one assist.
      The defender is also attracting interest from Juventus, Inter Milan and Roma, with Jose Mourinho publicly praising him two weeks ago.
      Torino have already received an offer from one of Italy’s big teams two weeks ago of £21.5million but rejected it in the belief they could get more from a Prem side.
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      The club are holding out for a figure of £35m.
      Buongiorno currently has a contract running until 2028 so they are under no pressure to sell.
      His vital presence to the Torino defence was best demonstrated in November when he was sidelined for two weeks and Torino lost all three games in his absence.
      Chelsea value Buongiorno’s versatility and competence on the ball.
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      He’s also one of the most aggressive tacklers in Serie A, averaging seven a game – the third highest in the league.
      Despite his penchant for tackling, he has received just one yellow card this term.
      Torino are currently 10th in the table, four points off qualifying for a Europa Conference League spot.
      The club are bracing themselves for several offers in January with many clubs looking to strengthen their defence this winter.
      Luciano Spaletti is a huge fan of the defender and played him in their crucial Euros qualifier against Ukraine.
      He’s expected to retain that spot in the actual tournament should his form remain in tact. More

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      Chelsea facing transfer headache as Eddie Howe casts doubt over £35million deal despite obligation to buy

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      LEWIS HALL may be heading back to Chelsea after Eddie Howe could not confirm if the left-back will be a Newcastle player next season.Hall, 19, moved to Tyneside from Stamford Bridge on loan in August with the Magpies expected to make the deal permanent at the end of the campaign for around £35million.
      Lewis Hall could return to Chelsea next summerCredit: Getty
      But the youngster must hit certain performance-related criteria to activate the permanent switch, with Howe casting doubt on whether Toon want him beyond this season.
      Hall has only played 234 minutes this campaign, struggling for action despite Newcastle’s injury crisis.
      And with Dan Burn returning from injury and Tino Livramento excelling over the recent weeks, it is hard to see Hall featuring much over the coming weeks.
      In further blows to the Mags, winger Harvey Barnes and midfielder Joe Willock have suffered setbacks from their recovery from injury.
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      The pair won’t feature until 2024 having initially been on course to play again before Christmas.
      Newcastle host Fulham tomorrow on the back of three straight defeats.
      They were dumped out of Europe by AC Milan on Wednesday and, sat seven points off the top four, desperately need to get their campaign back on track.
      Howe said: “It’s going to be a big test of our ability to respond, our resilience.
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      “There’ll be a narrative that will be negative and we have to override that.
      “It can become more negative if you don’t react in the right way.
      “We can’t deny exiting Europe is a disappointment but we can control how we respond to it.
      “The mood is good, there is some pain and anguish, but that can’t stay around in professional football.”
      Tino Livramento has shone at St James’ ParkCredit: AFP More

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      Chelsea boss Pochettino ‘to bring £17.5m wonderkid into first-team training’ two years before transfer deal is official

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      CHELSEA are flying in wonderkid Kendry Paez for first-team training aged 16 – two years before he can complete his £17.5million arrival.Blues’ record buy Moises Caicedo is among those raving about his fellow Ecuadorian, who has already won five senior caps.
      Kendry Paez will arrive at Chelsea officially in 2025 and is here seen celebrating scoring a World Cup qualifying goal for EcuadorCredit: AFP
      Independiente del Valle midfielder Paez is the youngest debutant and scorer ever in the Ecuadorian top flightCredit: Getty
      But midfielder Paez can’t officially sign from Independiente Del Valle until he is 18.
      Chelsea agreed a big-money deal with his Ecuadorian club last summer.
      And Paez is due to arrive in London next week – ahead of practice at the the Blues’ Cobham training ground in Surrey.
      The Telegraph suggest it will be the first of three or four visits aimed at helping the teenager adjust to life in the UK.
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      Chelsea’s £115m midfielder Caicedo spotted Paez’s potential while the 22-year-old was at Brighton.
      The anchorman said then: “He’s a star. It’s good to see those talents in Ecuador because we know we have very good youth.
      “I’m very happy for him, for everything that he’s doing. 
      “All I can tell him is keep on the right track, doing things really well, and he’s going to go really far because the talent he has is incredible.”
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      Paez himself is delighted to get the chance to join other South American players at Stamford Bridge – under Argentine boss Mauricio Pochettino.
      After his move was finalised, he said: “I don’t feel pressure, I am focused on Independiente, on the Libertadores and trying to continue playing in the best way. 
      “To get there [Chelsea] I have to keep working, be focused on learning.
      “It will be something special to share things with players like Enzo Fernandez, with other special ones. 
      `It’s wonderful, but now I’m focused on Independiente del Valle. There are two years to go, I know it goes by quickly and I’ll keep doing my thing here.” More

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      It was impossible to say no to Chelsea… even when Liverpool tried to hijack transfer, reveals Moises Caicedo

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      MOISES CAICEDO insists it was “impossible” not to join Chelsea – despite a huge “last moment” offer from Liverpool.Britain’s most expensive player ever has struggled since his £115million summer switch from Brighton.
      Moises Caicedo claims he was always sure he wanted to join ChelseaCredit: Rex
      🗣️ “It was impossible to say no”Moisés Caicedo reveals why he chose to join Chelsea over Liverpool when he left Brighton in the summer 🔹 pic.twitter.com/zmLPVMSWLk— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 14, 2023

      Caicedo says his summer departure from Brighton was ‘complicated’Credit: PA
      And Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp has now suggested he was “lucky” the Reds failed with bids for Blues’ summer recruits Caicedo and £58m Romeo Lavia.
      But Caicedo claims Liverpool never stood a chance of signing him anyway.
      The Ecuador anchorman, 22, told Sky Sports: “It was impossible to say not to Chelsea, because they were with me supporting me.
      “In the last moment Liverpool called me but it was [too] late because I wanted to play for Chelsea.”
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      However, the 38-cap star also revealed his record move was not without its problems.
      Brighton realised early last summer their top asset was sure to go.
      That sparked a bidding frenzy eventually won by Chelsea.
      But whether the Blues will see the capture of Caicedo as a victory in the long term depends on how dramatically he transforms his fortunes.
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      Mauricio Pochettino’s erratic side sit just 12th in the Premier League, with the defensive midfielder in and out of the team.
      A knee problem and international duty have hampered Caicedo.
      But his form has been way below his Brighton level – persuading Pochettino to hold a special meeting with him to talk through any issues.
      Meanwhile, with Liverpool top of the Prem, Klopp felt able to make a cutting jibe this week at Chelsea’s spending woes.
      The German said: “The summer we had a few strange things happen in the transfer market but here, between us, I can say, ‘My God, were we lucky, eh?’
      “We didn’t know that in that moment and it didn’t feel like it in that moment, but yeah, I’m really happy that it worked out, but you never know before.”
      The Reds instead spent £148m in all on Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo.
      Klopp added: “We obviously realised that other central defensive midfielders don’t want to join Liverpool.
      “You see what happens, and then we found Endo. He’s an exceptional player.” More

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      Ivan Toney ‘really excited’ about Arsenal transfer interest as they battle Chelsea for £100m England striker

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      IVAN TONEY is said to be “really excited” about the prospect of joining Arsenal, reports suggest.The Brentford star has been sidelined since May after being hit with a betting ban.
      Ivan Toney’s transfer preference has been revealedCredit: Alamy
      However, that has not stopped the rampant speculation on his future.
      Arsenal and Chelsea have been the clubs most heavily linked with a move for the England forward, with some reports suggesting he could cost as much as £100million.
      And now with the January transfer window fast approaching, Fabrizio Romano has revealed Toney’s preference for a transfer.
      Speaking on his Kick channel, via The Boot Room, Romano said: “From what I’m hearing, this is one more detail on Ivan Toney.
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      “This is a rumour I’m hearing that his preference in terms of a top club move in January or the summer would be to go to Arsenal.
      “From what I’m hearing Ivan Toney could be really excited by the possibility of joining Arsenal.”
      However, SunSport reported in November that Toney was torn over the idea of a transfer in January, with a source saying that he feels he has a debt to pay to Brentford for sticking by him.
      Toney, 27, scored 20 Premier League goals for the Bees last season before his ban.
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      His record marked him out as one of the most prolific forwards in the division under Thomas Frank.
      Brentford have managed in his absence and find themselves firmly in midtable.
      However, the Bees have just lost fellow star man – and this season’s top scorer – Bryan Mbuemo to injury.
      Despite that, Brentford may still choose to cash in on Toney with his ban set to expire.
      Toney cannot return to competitive action until January 17 at the earliest.
      He has already appeared in a couple of behind-closed-doors friendlies, scoring on his return game in October before netting again in a match against Watford last month.
      How Ivan Toney performed for Brentford last season More