While the financial reports suggest that Chelsea don’t have that much money of their own to spend on players, the club is still trying to get their hands on Fredy Guarin of Inter, with the Colombian player rumored to have mentioned the Blues as his dream destination, hopefully as soon as possible.
Guarin, 27, has made the right steps up the footballing ladder over the last 10 years, beginning his career with Envigado in Colombia, moving on to Saint Etienne in 2007 and from there moving on to Porto, winning three championships and the Europa League with the club. After a successful loan period he was permanently signed by Inter in 2012, playing for the Nerazzurri ever since.
A box to box midfielder who is capable of player in a more attacking or defensive role as well, Guarin is valued at £15 million, although there is a chance that Inter, looking to sell players before their new owner starts splashing cash on new arrivals, will ask for a bit more from Chelsea.
Chelsea have been dabbling quite a bit with their midfield look in recent weeks, sometimes playing with a three-man midfield in order to make up for their defensive problems. Ramires and Frank Lampard are usually the team that plays behind the creative trio, but John Obi Mikel has been getting more minutes recently, and Michael Essien has also been used sparingly, usually to disappointing results.
Chelsea’s biggest problems recently usually point to their defense, but defending isn’t only about the four players in the back line, but the whole approach, which is why David Luiz has now found himself playing as a DM, a role he’s probably more suited for than centre back. Mourinho won’t admit it, but that was something he “stole” from Rafa Benitez, deploying the Brazilian that way last season.
Adding Guarin will give him the chance to either use Luiz next to him, as a centre back or finally do what he sought out to when he first arrived at Chelsea and sell the Brazilian. According to the financial reports of Chelsea losing £50 million this season, they might have to sell him and Juan Mata before making any kind of approach.