Chelsea’s summer spending not over, says Gourlay

Once Willian and Samuel Eto’o were signed from Anzhi Makhachkala many fans would anticipate that Chelsea’s summer spending may be over and the only activity we’ll see between now and the transfer window will be departures only, but Chief Executive Ron Gourlay says that the Blues are still looking for two more players.

Jose Mourinho revealed in a recent press conference that managers are never happy with their squads and are always looking to improve. We knew that he wanted a forward and when it became clear Wayne Rooney did not want to force an exit from Manchester United it was no surprise that the Portuguese manager opted for a former stalwart in Eto’o. But Willian was a complete bolt out of the blue and it’s a little hard to predict where we may strengthen should we add two more.

Gourlay said:

“We have always said we are always looking to strengthen, but it’s all about the right players being available at the right time.”

On the potential for further signings this summer, he added:

“There could be one, maybe two, but we are looking at a couple maybe going out on loan to continue their development as we have a fairly big squad.

“I would expect maybe a little bit of activity in the next couple of days before the window closes.”

(Metro)

It’s not really clear what sort of signings they’re hoping to make, just that we have other irons in the fire. At this stage I think it’s more likely that any further additions to the playing staff will be like Porto winger Christian Atsu, who will be loaned out to Vitesse Arnhem and we’ve also been linked with Sporting Lisbon’s Eric Dier.

Willian has already taken up the 17th spot for an overseas player over the age of 21 in the squad and someone will have to make way for Samuel Eto’o, and we can expect further departures if anyone is coming in that’s over 21 unless they’re home-grown. Demba Ba is definitely going and I doubt the club will turn down a decent offer for Fernando Torres should one come in as there won’t be many chances to shift him.

Chelsea are capable of surprising us. We’ll just have to wait and see what Mourinho and company have planned.

Source: Metro