Villas-Boas confirms that Anelka, Alex will be sold in January

By: Jack | December 3rd, 2011

Some interesting news coming out of Andre Villas-Boas’ press conference post-Newcastle. The Portuguese confirmed that the club has received transfer requests from both Nicolas Anelka and Alex, and that both have been accepted. Cue more January transfer window speculation.

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No more of this then.

The Sun reported yesterday that Anelka and Alex were training with the reserves ahead of the pivotal trip to Newcastle. Of course, it was The Sun so you didn’t know what to think when you came across the article.

But, shockingly, they were on to something. Villas-Boas said in his post-match presser that the two players are training away from the first team and will be moved on in January. It’s not exactly a massive surprise, seeing as both have been marginalized under the new management. Neither has exactly been impressive in their limited pitch time, either.

We no doubt wish them both the best in their future endeavors – whatever they may be and wherever they may take place – but I’m more interested in who the club is targeting as replacements. There’s no doubt that their moving out means there will be some players moving into the club in January. We were already crying out for a wide player and a defender, preferably a fullback, but that’s even more of a priority now. I wonder if the club will consider recalling Tomas Kalas or Jeffrey Bruma – both of whom have been impressive on loan this season – rather than going out into the marker for a central defender. I doubt it.

Either way, we’re in for a wild transfer window. I think we already knew that, but it’s nice to know that we definitely need to brace for some more (much-needed) change in January.

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Category: Chelsea Team News, Transfer News

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AlaskaJuventino

Juventus supporter here - Alex has been linked with Juve for a while now.

Do you rate him? I really know very little about him. Is he comfortable on the ball? How is his passing? Marking, strong in the air?

I only have two notions about him: hitting explosive free kicks, pure power, and getting absolutely skinned by some young kid early in the season (was it Shane Long?)

Has he lost his place due to better players ahead of him, or has he just been poor?

Any insight is greatly appreciated, thanks.
orthodoxyordeath

Hem hem. Malouda? Ferriera? WTF are we waiting for with them? They need to leave wayyyy before Nelks and Cannonfoot.
Maysam

Well some players do not make any problem for club and their salaries are very low. for example, Ferreira never complains about lack of game, he helps the club to translate tactics for purtugese/ brazilian players and his salary is very low compare to others. Why should we get rid of him? :)
Muakaka

AVB is Portuguese and he speaks good English. Need any translator? Get rid of him. Give more game time to a youngster if needed. Or better.. get rid of Bosingwa. His defending gives me more heartache than Luiz
orthodoxyordeath

Only thing is he's getting old. However, I'd rather get rid of Malouda while we're at it too. We need to get some willing, excellent players.
Mateo

i like Ba
Gdjjh

What do you think will happen in january? Who's out who's in?
Maysam

Great news. I love both players but they were not performing very well anytime they got chance and we needed to get rid of some in order to find space for adding new players.
I do not think recalling Bruma or buying a young defender is a good idea. we need someone to play right away and provide some world-class performances and Gary Cahil is the man. Luiz needs to work on his positiotning and closing down we cannot rely one him.
Alex departure will leave us with Terry, Luiz and Iva (is mostly used as RB) and that is not enough. we need a world-class defender.

We do not have to rush to bring in someone in place of Anelka. we will have Kalou, Mata, Sturridge and Malouda. which is not that bad.

I am not fan of adding player in january. That is why I say one defender will be enough.let's see who is leaving in summer and then do major business
Jack

Actually, I think Bruma is fine right now for a fourth-choice central defender. Kalas is still a year or so away from being an excellent option for us. Overall, I think we should focus on securing a right-back before a CB.

As for options up front: If Anelka goes, we really do need to bring in somebody - that is provided they are of the quality we need. A true right-sided player would be fantastic.
Jake Gold Lion Westergaard

great points, totally agree; just a bit frustrated with the club because we've been saying let's to a major re-hauling of the team in the summer for like 3 years now. it's starting to sound played out
Jake Gold Lion Westergaard

two words gents, Christian Eriksen. he's only 19 and he's already captained his country and outright embarrassed Cristiano Ronaldo in the process. he comes from the Ajax youth academy and we all know that nothing needs to be said to prove the credentials of that school. and he plays like Mata by changing positions seamlessly from the centre to the wing. the two of them will be devastating
Wayne

Yea i heard so much about him. Seems a great prospect and could be the real deal in 2-3 years.
Wayne

Anelka should head to L.A
Dave

I too have a feeling we will grab Hazard.
Mike

Yeah I don't see either of those things happening. Well maybe a slim chance of Hazard since Real don't want him.
Chenlsea

No problem, let us get Gary Cahill for Alex, Hazard for Anelka.
MikeyF

I'm not so sure of Cahill. He'll expect starters minutes, and while generally solid, Luiz is a much better prospect, better skills, more pacey, etc. Hazard or Erikson would be brilliant signings though!