EXCL: Osimhen PICKS his next destination! Chelsea to sign TWO new strikers? Names still explored THIS window, Fulham in Broja talks, Outgoings updates, Petrovic to keep his place? More...
The Ben Jacobs Chelsea FC column - Transfer updates SPECIAL!
Chelsea could be in for a busy finish to the transfer window, but before I touch on potential incomings or outgoings, I want to talk about the 0-0 FA Cup draw with Aston Villa.
If Chelsea can get through the replay they stand a fantastic chance of reaching the quarter-finals with a tie against Leeds or Plymouth awaiting. I thought the first-half against Villa was excellent. Chelsea looked confident and fluid, but as so often this season they just couldn't convert their big chances.
Villa improved in the second half and Chelsea needed Djordje Petrovic to keep them in the game. The Serbian looks like an inspired signing. Along with making smart saves, he's calm, assured and does all the basics right.
Robert Sanchez was signed as Chelsea's No1, but Petrovic is going to be hard to keep out of the side on this form. Sanchez isn't far off a return from an ankle injury and even if he is restored to the starting XI when fit, I expect Petrovic will get the nod for the League Cup Final given his heroics against Newcastle, and the fact he played both semi-final legs.
Obviously what Chelsea lacked in the Villa game was a clinical touch. Christopher Nkunku may provide that, but it's clear Chelsea want to go big on an elite striker this summer. Victor Osimhen is a top target and I expect Chelsea to go all in on the Nigerian.
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