As Chelsea put its first team against Wolves on Matchday-38, it was all known that they did not need to do much. A draw against Nuno’s side would ensure Champions League qualification.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
So, Frank Lampard had a target of not conceding any goal against Raul Jimenez, Adama Traore team. Though they did not pull back during the game and had all intension to score, it was a massive indication from manager Lampard to put forth Willy Caballero instead of Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was brought into Stamford Bridge in a record deal.
After today’s match, it’s all clear that Kepa has already played his last game at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea would not keep its high priced asset for reserve bench. They are not going to promote their Argentine keeper as the first choice and have been into the market for some time now.
The situation for the manager has not been delightful with this problem. As if Kepa to be sold, Chelsea have to book a loss on his market price. It makes a sense if they can manage another talent at the same price and they are linked to Jan Oblak of Atletico, Andre Onana of Ajax and Dean Henderson.
It would be interesting what happens at Stamford Bridge in the coming summer.
Olivier Giroud
Chelsea journey, which is still ongoing, has not been delightful for “go-kart” world -cup winner. After having hugely successful six seasons with Arsenal, he struggled in his first season with London rival.
Then he managed to have a not so lousy season with Maurizio Sarri if you consider Europa League win and Giroud ending up as highest scorer in the European tournament.
But things changed again as Sarri left after a year and Frank Lampard took over at West London club. As Lampard brought Chelsea’s youth brigade, Giroud sat first half of 2019-20 season at reserve bench. He was about to leave Chelsea in January this year when Antoine Conte and Jose Mourinho showed interest in the World Cup winner.
Things were changed when hugely successful Tammy Abraham was injured in the middle of 2019-20 season, and Lampard had to call the French striker back. Giroud proved once again his worth and ended Premier League with a goal in all of his last eight outings, including the matchday-38. It was the decider for spot 3, 4 and 5 in Premier League table, which decided the Champions League qualification.
Willian
Willian is certainly staying, despite his lengthy discussion with the team regarding terms and tenure. Chelsea is ready for two years contract for 31-year-old Brazilian, but Willian was interested in a three-year deal.
Willian received interest from Premier League clubs, Spanish and Italian clubs, but most significant of them being his link up with Arsenal. He was once linked to a reunion with his former manager Jose Mourinho.
Willian is interested in staying at London and Chelsea are interested in holding the Brazilian, it would be interesting to see how it ends amid interest from other London based clubs.
Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech have already joined Chelsea. They will compete with Willian, Giroud, Pulisic, Mount, Abraham and Hudson odoi for a place in Playing eleven. With qualification into the Champions League already secured next year, Chelsea are poised to add Kai Havertz into already crowed attack-line.
