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Chelsea already looking to replace “stupid” £25m summer signing

Chelsea are one of the toughest teams to predict in the Premier League this season. Whilst they suffered defeats against Brentford and Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge, they ended Tottenham Hotspur’s unbeaten start and held Arsenal to a 2-2 draw in a game that saw them squander a two-goal advantage.

As each weekend of action arrives, Mauricio Pochettino faces a guessing game as to which version of his side will turn up on the day. And that inconsistency has already left the Blues behind in the race for a Champions League spot.

Given their results, Chelsea have unsurprisingly already turned their attention towards the January transfer window, where they could reportedly look to replace one summer signing in ruthless fashion.

Chelsea transfer news
Chelsea were once again one of, if not the busiest clubs in Europe during the summer transfer window, as the likes of Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz made way for arrivals such as Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Moises Caicedo. As the league’s top spenders, the pressure was on the Blues to instantly deliver.

It seemed impossible for their problems to continue. Yet, three months into the campaign and they remain on course to finish outside of the top four, leaving Pochettino to assess one particular summer signing.

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Chelsea are looking to sign an undisputed number one goalkeeper in January to already replace Robert Sanchez, who has struggled to get going at Stamford Bridge.

Sanchez’s price-tag was reportedly a hefty £25m, but that doesn’t look set to stop those at the London club from splashing the cash even further and welcoming an upgrade.

robert-sanchez-chelsea-premier-league
It remains to be seen just who that upgrade will be in January, though it is certainly worrying news for Sanchez, who arrived in the summer with the hope of establishing his place as the number one at Chelsea.

Sanchez labelled “stupid” in Chelsea draw
It’s been a difficult start to life in a Chelsea shirt for Sanchez, whose mistakes against Arsenal ended up costing the Blues all three points in what would have been a statement victory. And whilst patience is the key, the London club’s ability to spend endless money puts any poor performers in doubt for Pochettino’s side, rightly or wrongly.

The new shot-stopper earned his fair share of criticism during the aforementioned Arsenal draw, including from TalkSport’s Andy Townsend, who said:

“I was very impressed with the Chelsea performance for 70 minutes until Sanchez made that silly decision for reasons only better known to him. When you’re 2-0 up against a very good team, you make a daft decision like that, and you hand Arsenal a lifeline.

“With 20 minutes to go, you’re thinking there is no way Chelsea aren’t going to win that match, but they let it slip through their fingers because of that daft decision by the goalkeeper. It was stupid.”

Sanchez will hope to see his fortunes chance at Chelsea, with reports suggesting that his place as Pochettino’s number one could already be in doubt as the January window approaches.

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Transfers

PSG Ready To Hand Bukayo Saka Injury Solution To Arsenal With Transfer Proposal

Bukayo Saka Update Emerges After He Went Off Injured Against Crystal Palace On Saturday

Paris Saint-Germain are likely to offer Arsenal the chance to sign out-of-favour forward Randal Kolo Muani.

Arsenal have been hit with the news that star man Bukayo Saka will be ruled out for ‘many weeks’ with a hamstring tear and are weighing up whether to find a solution to his absence in the January transfer window. Saka, 23, has played the fourth-highest amount of minutes among Arsenal’s outfielders this season and the Gunners don’t have a natural right winger to replace him with.

His injury has given Mikel Arteta a dilemma as the winter window nears but PSG could have the answer to his problem in the shape of Randal Kolo Muani. The 26-year-old was signed for £64.2m in the summer of 2023, having shone for Eintracht Frankfurt, when he attracted interest from Manchester United. Kolo Muani was expected to play a larger role under Luis Enrique following the departure of Kylian Mbappe, but he’s only started two matches in Ligue 1 this season and played just 28 minutes of football in the last month.

The France international has now been made available on loan, despite being under contract until 2028, and the Evening Standard report that the French champions will offer him to a number of clubs in January, including Arsenal.

Saka’s absence has been compounded by an injury Raheem Sterling, who would’ve been in contention to replace him in the Gunners’ starting line-up against Ipswich Town on Boxing Day. Asked about the prospect of signing a replacement for Saka next month, Arteta insisted that his focus is on players who are already at the club.

“My focus honestly now is just about within the squad the resources we have to be as competitive as we possibly can,” the Arsenal manager said. “We have many, many options to do that. And if something unbelievable [becomes] available and if the club is willing to do it, we’ll have to consider it.”

The France international has now been made available on loan, despite being under contract until 2028, and the Evening Standard report that the French champions will offer him to a number of clubs in January, including Arsenal.

Saka’s absence has been compounded by an injury Raheem Sterling, who would’ve been in contention to replace him in the Gunners’ starting line-up against Ipswich Town on Boxing Day. Asked about the prospect of signing a replacement for Saka next month, Arteta insisted that his focus is on players who are already at the club.

“My focus honestly now is just about within the squad the resources we have to be as competitive as we possibly can,” the Arsenal manager said. “We have many, many options to do that. And if something unbelievable [becomes] available and if the club is willing to do it, we’ll have to consider it.”

“Obviously we didn’t predict a situation with Bukayo and Raheem at the same time. We predicted more it would be something else, for example if something happened in the defensive line, but the job is done.

“Then, okay, if something has to happen, we will be open. But the main focus is now, how will we extract still a lot of potential that there is in this squad.”

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Transfers

After Alex Iwobi, Nigerian Forward Wanted By Girona Spread Christmas Joy With Acts Of Kindness

After Alex Iwobi, Nigerian Forward Wanted By Girona Spread Christmas Joy With Acts Of Kindness

Arokodare, alongside his Genk teammate Noah Adedeji, participated in an initiative with Vincentius, a local charity in Genk, to distribute food parcels to families in need during the festive period.

The Nigerian forward, who has netted 11 goals for Genk this season, played an active role in packaging fresh meals for the Christmas holidays.

Sint-Vincentius Genk Zutendaal, which distributes an impressive 20 tonnes of food monthly and even more during the holidays, welcomed the players’ helping hands.

Reflecting on his faith and motivations, Arokodare said:

“Praying relaxes me, inspires me, gives me confidence and a feeling of protection. I pray in the morning, evening, and before every match, asking for protection for all the players and fans of both teams.”

The gesture was part of Genk’s broader Christmas celebrations and provided a heartwarming connection between the players and their community.

Families who benefitted from the initiative expressed their gratitude, while the event brought smiles to many faces, both young and old.

Girona’s Interest in Arokodare
Arokodare’s on-field success has not gone unnoticed.

Reports indicate that Spanish club Girona are keen on signing the 24-year-old, with Genk valuing him at around €7 million.

The striker, also on the radar of Turkish giants Galatasaray, has proven to be a dominant force in Belgium and is now attracting interest from across Europe.

Alex Iwobi Joins Festive Charity Efforts
Arokodare is not the only Nigerian footballer spreading holiday cheer.

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has opened a London-based shop, “AleXpress,” where families in need can collect free food for Christmas dinner.

“We want to create a place where families can get what they need,” said Iwobi.

“If I can help them have a peaceful Christmas, why not do it? I grew up watching my parents help others, and their example inspired me.”

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Transfers

17-Year-Old Nigeria-Eligible Defender Pens Professional Deal With Chelsea

17-Year-Old Nigeria-Eligible Defender Pens Professional Deal With Chelsea

The Eastbourne-born England defender recently turned 17 five days ago, and was given a professional contract by the Blues as a birthday present after joining from the Brighton and Hove Albion U-12 team a few years back.

Tayo started his career as a midfielder, but moved back to play central defence as he matured and has been a standout performer for the Chelsea U-18 squad, specifically known for his ability to command his teammates and play out from back with excellence.

Subuloye has represented England at the U-18 level, making his debut in October 2024, but is eligible to represent Nigeria. However, if he’ll be open to representing the Super Eagles of Nigeria is currently unknown at the moment.

“His performances this season have earned him recognition, and he is expected to play a significant role in Chelsea’s future defensive plans. Keep an eye on this rising star.

He is a talented footballer who is comfortable playing in various positions and adapts well to any intense situation,” Chelsea’s official website read after Subuloye penned his new deal.

The lanky defender was heavily involved in Chelsea’s U-16 Premier League campaign, captaining the side to the national final. He was also an important member of the U-17 side that won the League Cup before getting an invitation to the club’s U-18 side.

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