09 Jan 2014 10:44:03
Its no secret that we are after a striker, similarly its not much of a secret that a midfielder and long term replacements for Lampard, Terry and Cole are needed. There is also a strong likelihood that come September, at the latest, Torres, Essien, Eto'o, Mata and De Bruyne will need replacing.

I kinda hope we don't sign a striker in this window, the signing of Ba last January showed what a panic buy gets you. What we've got haven't exactly been free scoring but we're still challenging with them up top. Lukaku will/should return next season and this is somewhere that we will almost defiantly need to spend money before next season.

There are youth and loan players that I'm certain can cover some of our losses, Van Ginkel for instance showed his quality in the midfield during pre-season and definitely has the ability to take over from the midfield players that leave. Lucas Paizon and Traore can also come into the squad for Mata and De Bruyne; they're not quite like for like in ability yet but will more than ably backup Oscar, Hazard, Willian and Schurrle.

Replacing Lampard, Terry and Cole is almost impossible, they've provided a British core to the side for the best part of a decade now; a British core that's important. Barkley and Shaw would be ideal, but expensive, replacements for Lampard and Cole. We already have Terry's replacement in the England side playing for us and rumours are circulating that he is getting a new 4 year deal. Other than that there are no decent British centre backs around at the moment. Kurt Zouma would be a great longterm signing though.

1.) 09 Jan 2014
09 Jan 2014 14:04:03
Totally agree, but not traore, may the other hazard, thorgan?

2.) 09 Jan 2014
Yeah fair point.

3.) 10 Jan 2014
10 Jan 2014 01:38:10
Traore won't be ready in my opinion