Ornstein: “You’ll remember this” – Chelsea to regret missing out on “Palmer Mark II” | OneFootball

Chelsea’s January was a disappointment for everyone. Some of us are sick of the club trying to sign players constantly, but even we would have liked to see some of the obvious weak points in the team addressed.

One player we desperately need is a game controlling number 6 who also has the athleticism and defensive instincts to get around the pitch and help out Moises Caicedo, or replace him when he’s rested. Enzo Fernandez on wheels, basically.

Frustratingly, we didn’t get anyone close – we just bought 19 year old Mathis Amougou instead. But Man City look to have found their version. Nico Gonzales made his full debut for the Citizens at the weekend playing just that role and looked amazing.

Chelsea fail to land one talented Nico while City hoard both

Nico O’Reilly dashes down the line in the Community Shield. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Gonzales isn’t the first Nico on City’s books – they already have academy product Nico O’Reilly, who was apparently a top target for Chelsea in January. Speaking after the window closed, David Ornstein outlined how much the Blues wanted to buy the attacking midfielder, and how happy City were to keep him.

“I was going to mention City’s best signing of the window, well not a signing but a retention, Nico O’Reilly who has got top potential,” he told The Athletic in quotes last week.

“Chelsea tried to sign him and do a Cole Palmer mark two, but City managed to keep hold of him, and you’ll remember this when he comes good.”

We certainly will. City and their two Nicos look to be going right back to the top, while Chelsea continue to muddle around with a team full of holes and a bunch of callow teenagers supposed to fill them. O’Reilly wouldn’t have solved out central midfield problems, but he looks a top talent.