The power struggle at Chelsea has been one of the well-documented issues ever since Roman Abramovich took charge of the club in 2003. The Russian happens to be one of the most sensible owners, as he often does not meddle with the transfer policy – there have been exceptions like Andy Shevchenko and Fernando Torres. In recent years, the power struggle has been between the manager and the technical director. Even after winning the league title in brilliant fashion, it appears that Conte does not have his way when it comes to signing players of his wish.
Club’s top scorer Diego Costa is on his way out, as the Spaniard has been told that he is not in the plans of manager Antonio Conte.
There are two major options for Chelsea in order to replace Costa – Romelu Lukaku or Alvaro Morata.
Romelu Lukaku has blossomed since he left Chelsea a couple of years ago, as his undoubted talent is finally starting to reap rewards. He finished only 2nd to Harry Kane in the 2016-17 Premier League Golden Boot award. After being linked with a £60 million return last summer, the Belgian could be heading back to Stamford Bridge in a deal worth around £100 million. Paddy Power has shortened the odds – available in the Paddy Power android app – of Lukaku re-joining Chelsea even further. We are at 1/6 for signing Lukaku.
Incredibly, Chelsea need a couple of big signings in order to see shorter odds for the league title. At the moment, the blues are given long odds of 10/3 for the league title. Manchester City are the favourites at 15/8 and are closely followed by Manchester United at 3/1.
Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata was the first choice for Antonio Conte, and the player was also very keen on playing for the Italian. Yet, it appears that Emenalo has chosen Lukaku over Morata largely because of the former’s experience in the Premier League. Conte, though, has seen Morata excel in the Spanish and Italian leagues, and he believes that the Spaniard would have been a better fit at Stamford Bridge. Even though Lukaku has a lot of physicality in stature, he never really seems to use the same to his advantage. Morata is now on the verge of a move to Manchester United.
Emenalo may be a controversial figure at the club, but there can be no doubts about his ability to succeed. He has brought in several high quality players into the club in his 10-year spell. Emenalo has been behind the signings of Thibaut Courtois, Gary Cahill, David Luiz, Eden Hazard, Diego Costa, and N’Golo Kante amongst many others. One can hope that his £100 million judgement on Lukaku turns out to be right.
Manchester United are the favourites to sign Morata, while Chelsea are at a distant 20/1.
