Chelsea vs Transfer Market: The one that's a brief overview so far

Not Diego Costa

Well it certainly has been a while since you and I sat down for a little chat. That's on me. But let's be honest, you didn't need me waffling on as Chelsea marched on to another Premier League title. And it only being amazing as it's the Don's first season. Thankfully no one got too big headed in the matter as the FA Cup swiftly provided a nice balancing out of the universe. Although it did not make for a brilliant day out for yours truly. Thankfully there's Sailor Jerry to sort out those sorts of days.


Chelsea got themselves off to a flying start in the transfer window. After waiting for the Adidas deal to run itself down and the Nike era set to begin, it was only fitting that Chelsea had a doozy of a first signing lined up to show that new kit off. Step up Willy Caballero. Some of you may remember him from the FA Cup a couple seasons back where he endeared himself to those at Stamford Bridge by letting FIVE in. Welcome Willy.

After the success of one Antonio last season, Chelsea thought the only way to improve this season would be to bring in another Antonio. German international Rüdiger also ups Chelsea's umlaut quotient, which can't be a bad thing. Rüdiger jetted off to Japan moments after putting pen to paper, as you do. After seeing the display against Bayern, he saw fit to hop on a plane and join up with the squad. What Rüdiger's transfer means for the brilliant Andreas Christensen - only time will tell. But I think we all know where it's heading.

With Chelsea in desperate need for another striker, it's completely sensible that their next big move was for defensive midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko. I've only seen him a handful of times and am not entirely convinced he's an upgrade on Nemanja Matic. At least the pre-Ashley Barnes tackle Matic. But Bakayoko a mountain of a man so should be a presence while the N'Golo Kante twins get it done.  And Michy Batshuayi seems chuffed about his arrival. If Michy's happy, we're all happy, no?

It's been an odd battle between Jose Mourinho and Chelsea for a striker this season. Both Chelsea and United were heavily linked to Romelu Lukaku and Alvaro Morata. If either of those deals had dragged on until August my brain might have exploded. It's difficult to tell who was the actual first choice for either Mourinho or Conte. Both managers have been linked with both players in the past - and Conte had even signed Morata for Juventus. But seemed to be flirting pretty audaciously with Chelsea's former charger. While missing out on a striker that was desperate to play for Chelsea and has proven himself a regular-ish goalscorer, it's not really the worst thing in the world. He largely goes missing in big games and can go on excessively long runs without any sort of goal contribution at all. Cut to this time next season when Lukaku has been awarded a special golden boot for scoring 50 league goals.

Alvaro Morata made his debut against Bayern Munich Tuesday lunchtime. Not much to tell from that performance. He's been training in LA with Real Madrid and then sent on flights around the world as he had to come to London to sign his contract and then all the way to Singapore. I'm surprised he didn't collapse on the pitch from jet lag to be honest. And while it's great to add to the Spanish Armada at Chelsea, it's all a bit bittersweet.

Diego Costa deserves a post unto himself -- and will. At some point. And while it's difficult to be critical of Antonio Conte after such and incredible turnaround in the team last season, the breakdown between himself and Costa is so disappointing. None more so than the infamous text message. Breaking up by text is almost as low as you could go. It also has put the club in a precarious position. If he's 'not in Conte's plans' for next season, why would any club consider paying top dollar. They know without a shadow of a doubt he's considered excess goods.

Missed you!

jb xx