“I have always been told…” – Chelsea won’t risk January return for standout loan star | OneFootball

January is flying past – we’re more than a week in already, and serious deals are happening up and down the Premier League as teams look to strengthen.

Chelsea are not expected to buy anyone – but they’re certainly expected to sell. There’s also the question of their various loans, many of whom could be recalled to strengthen the first team if necessary.

Matt Law was on the London is Blue podcast to discuss all of the Blues’ possible actions. Up first was Andrey Santos. We’ve always said that, despite the need for another body in central midfield while Romeo Lavia is out, the club would surely rather leave Santos parked at Strasbourg, where he can play every game and develop, while also helping out our sister club. It seems that Law agrees:

“I have always been told that Andrey Santos would spend the season at Strasbourg and come back at the end of the season as a first team squad player,” the Daily Telegraph journalist explained.

“And they fully commit to that and believe that it’s the best way to deal with him.”

It might be different were Lavia out for longer. But given he’s expected to pick up some minutes this weekend and potentially be fit to start games as soon as next week, the risk of heading into the back leg of the season with just 3 midfielders for 2 positions seems more reasonable.

Delap on Blues radar

Liam Delap takes on a defender in the box. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

In terms of incoming players, Law notes that one recently linked target, Liam Delap of Ipswich, is very much on the Blues’ radar:

“Definitely, they have an eye on Liam Delap, I would suggest a heavy one,” Law explained.

Delap is not going to come in January, but it seems like we’re really preparing for a serious summer effort.