2 Chelsea stars could be used as makeweights as Chelsea discuss swap deal with Atletico for Joao Felix - Reports
Chelsea are reportedly floating the idea of using Pierre-Emerick Aubemayang and Marc Cucurella as makeweights in a potential swap deal for Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix.
The Portuguese attacker has been on loan at the Blues from Atleti since January. That deal expires at the end of the season, but the Premier League giants are keen on keeping Felix, 23, beyond the end of his loan spell.
According to Standard Sport, Aubemayang, 33, and Cucurella, 24, could be used as makeweights in a deal for Felix. Chelsea are reluctant to meet Los Colchoneros' £100 million valuation of the Portuguese forward. Hence, they are considering using the aforementioned duo in a deal, interesting Atleti.
Felix has failed to light up Stamford Bridge since arriving at the Blues, managing three goals in 17 games across competitions. However, he's regarded as one of Europe's most exciting attackers and could flourish under a new permanent manager.
Meanwhile, Aubameyang has had a miserable spell in West London since arriving from Barcelona last summer for £12 million. The Gabonese striker has bagged just three goals and one assist in 21 games across competitions. He has fallen down the pecking order and is seemingly eager to depart.
Cucurella arrived at Stamford Bridge as one of the Premier League's most sought-after left-backs. The Spaniard impressed at Brighton & Hove Albion leading to Chelsea signing him for £60 million. However, he has been out of form for most of the season, managing two assists in 33 appearances.
Chelsea legend Claude Makelele says Pep Guardiola wouldn't fare better than Frank Lampard
Claude Makelele has said that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola would not have done a better job at Chelsea than Lampard. The latter was appointed as the Blues' caretaker boss till the end of the season in March.
Lampard has had a difficult second spell in charge at Stamford Bridge, with his side struggling for form. They have won just one of six games under his helm and lost his first five on the bounce.
Makelele, though, has defended his former Chelsea teammate by insisting that other world-class managers like Pep Guardiola or Jose Mourinho would have struggled, too, (via the Mirror):
“It’s a difficult situation – not only for Frank – it would be for any other manager. You could have brought in Guardiola, Mourinho or whoever you think is the best. But they would have struggled because he was dealing with very new players."
The West Londoners have spent over £600 million on new arrivals since their change in ownership in May 2022. Makelele alluded to that when defending Lampard:
“He didn’t know their background and everything that’s going on. Frank accepted the challenge. The win last Saturday would have done some good and brought a little bit of happiness.”
Chelsea secured their first win under Lampard this season, beating Bournemouth 3-1 on May 6. That result means they cannot be relegated, but their hopes of European qualification are over.