The transfer gossip columns have been going into meltdown this January window and of late the popular story in circulation suggests that Juan Cuadrado of Fiorentina could be heading to Chelsea. The Blues already have an abundance of attacking flair in their ranks but are rumoured to be keen on the Columbian having reportedly had an initial bid already rejected. But is this a good move for the club?
If the arrival of another attacking midfielder is impending with Chelsea also heavily linked with Douglas Costa of Shakhtar Donetsk, then manager Jose Mourinho will no doubt be looking to thin the squad out before purchasing. The “Special one” already has Eden Hazard, Oscar, Willian, Andre Schurrle and Mohammad Salah competing for a trio of spots in his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation.
Oscar, Willian and Hazard are the favoured three in Mourinho’s starting eleven, so it appears Schurrle or Salah could be on their way out. According to the sources, it is believed that Schurrle wants a move back to native Germany with Wolfsburg being his suggested suitors. Egyptian international Salah is said to be close to a loan move to Roma, having previously been offered up to Monaco and Atletico Madrid having spent much of his Chelsea career a fringe player.
Reports suggest Cuadrado is keen on a move to London
However, both sets of managers have played down speculation. Mourinho said: “There are no marked men. I think he fits well in the Fiorentina squad, and in the Columbia squad, but not the Chelsea squad.”
Fiorentina’s manager Vincenzo Montella had his say on the matter too, making it clear the Columbian is not a player he wants to lose. “He’s got a buyout clause that he signed with the club, but if any club comes in and pays that, he will leave even in the finals days of the transfer window.”
The Italian manager then added: “Sadly that’s the way it is. For me and the club though, Cuadrado is a player we cannot do without.”
Both players careers at Chelsea hang in the balance
Would Cuadrado be a worthwhile signing however? The right sided attacker’s buyout fee is a substantial 26.8 million and it is unlikely the Viola will accept anything below that price. If the 26 year old was to arrive at Stamford Bridge, it would pose serious competition to Willian’s starting berth in the side.
Critics will argue that Willian’s industrial side to the game is pivotal to Chelsea, as although the Brazilian has so far failed to deliver in the final third, his ability to get up and down the flank is important to Chelsea’s balance as a side. Branislav Ivanovic poses a threat down the right side and is only able to bomb forward like he does knowing that Willian works just as hard to cover the Serbian.
However, the Columbian is more than match for the hard work Mourinho demands all his players give to the side. During defensive plays, Chelsea set up with 10 players behind the ball, the wingers expected to contribute to both defensive and attacking moves.
Cuadrado had an impressive world cup in Brazil
Cuadrado, naturally a right back moved to right wing under Montella is defensively apt. He also arguably offers more in the final third than Willian having tied with Toni Kroos for most assists at the 2014 world cup. His pace and flair make him more than a handful for defenders.
Cuadrado and Willian have a similarities in their game, both boosting natural agility and fleet of foot. They share lightweight frames and are pocket sized however, the Columbian is more direct with his dribbling and has more than a trick or two in his arsenal as he so often beats his opposing marker.
It is now a question of whether Chelsea are willing to take a expensive risk on a player untested in England to replace Willian, a player many regard as influential to Chelsea. Although Cuadrado has the potential to improve the London based side, such a signing will not come cheaply for Mourinho. This transfer story is certainly “Juan” to watch.
