- Chelsea co-owners Boehly and Eghbali are willing to invest again in January
- They want to revive the disappointing season so far
- How much humble pie can Jordan Henderson eat? It all starts
Given what has happened before, it is no surprise that Chelsea are preparing to use their battered checkbook again this month. It’s almost as if spending almost £1 billion isn’t enough.
Once again, co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are willing to invest during the January transfer window in the hope of salvaging a season that has thus far been a huge disappointment: Tuesday night’s 1-0 semi-final defeat of the Carabao Cup in the first leg against Middlesbrough the latest black mark.
It is pertinent to emphasize that despite the latest setback, head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s position is not under immediate threat.
If possible, Chelsea’s owners would prefer to get through at least the end of the season to assess the season as a whole before passing judgment on Pochettino’s long-term future.
Overcoming the home deficit against Michael Carrick’s side within a fortnight and then winning the final would put a more positive spin on Pochettino’s first season in charge. They also remain in the FA Cup, although they face Aston Villa in the fourth round.
Chelsea owners Todd Boehly (pictured) and Behdad Eghbali are ready to invest in January in the hope of saving the club’s season after another disappointing start
Mauricio Pochettino’s position is not believed to be under immediate threat despite the dismal 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
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That said, failure to make it to Wembley and a further implosion of their Premier League season could see Chelsea’s owners re-evaluate their plan.
This also applies to the reaction of supporters if results and performance do not improve.
But for now, the club is backing Pochettino and will spend more money in the transfer market in the hope of reviving a team that has looked devoid of fight and spirit far too often.
The Argentinian had very little influence over the club’s summer activities and will be hoping for more of a say this month.
If they are smart, the club’s recruitment team will listen to the Argentine.
Chelsea’s selection is out of balance and – despite the enormous investments since the American takeover – is still in need of repair. That’s not on Pochettino.
He doesn’t show it publicly, but Pochettino would only be human if he felt a sense of frustration about it.
But he has no choice but to make the most of what he has – and there will be many who would argue that is not the case.
This month the club is targeting a new striker, while the club is also looking for a new left back.
It will be extremely interesting to see how they approach their hunt for a new striker.
Chelsea have a strong interest in Napoli’s prolific striker Victor Osimhen, who has a £103m release clause.
Sources close to Osimhen have told Mail Sport that the Nigerian striker is open to joining the Blues.
But given the high costs, that deal is more likely to gain momentum in the summer, especially as Osimhen is attending the Africa Cup of Nations.
Chelsea have a strong interest in Napoli’s prolific striker Victor Osimhen (pictured above)
Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer (above) are Chelsea’s joint top scorers with eight goals each
However, Chelsea’s need for a striker is immediate.
Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer are the team’s joint top scorers with eight goals each. Jackson has led for much of the season but there is growing belief at Stamford Bridge that they need an upgrade from the Senegal international, who is currently absent from AFCON.
Armando Broja is fit again after a long-term injury, but he remains unproven at Chelsea.
Under ideal circumstances, Chelsea would wait until the summer before signing a centre-forward. But they have entered the realm of needs.