Transfer Window - Assessing Chelsea Future Development

With the football transfer window opening this month, it will surely see a flurry of activities by many clubs as they scurry to improve their squads for title honours or simply to achieve better results and avoid relegation. You can bet your bank that Chelsea will figure prominently this January but unfortunately you have already missed your chance, as they have made their first signing with the Serbian defender and Manchester United target Branislav Ivanovic.

I will assess this and other Chelsea transfer targets and what they can provide and mean for the future of the club.

First and foremost, the new signing Ivanovic. Seeing that Manchester United would have gotten him if not for the asking price of $8.9 million, he must be some kinda player. However, the fact that Alex Ferguson has no qualms about letting him go to the Blues also means that he might be good, but seriously not that good enough for the Red Devils to break the bank for him. It could also mean they have sufficient cover. However, if Ivanovic is half as good as Vidic, then he would provide great cover for both John Terry and Carvelho, seeing how either men are usually out through injury or suspension. In the long term, if it plays out, it would mean quality backup in the central defensive area, something a certain Special One did not enjoy as he neared the end of his reign.

Nicolas Anelka is also rumoured to be on Chelsea's radar, despite claims by Bolton manager Gary Megson that he has not heard from Chelsea about their interest. These things always signal that something has already transpired within the shadows and Bolton has probably made a gentleman's agreement with the Russian mafiabillionaire from Chelsea (which also means that no other club would pay that kind of money). This acquisition would be the biggest signal to the future vision of Chelsea. IF they also signed Dimitar Berbatov, it would be even clearer that Avram Grant is trying desperately to mold a fantasy football team.

Berbatov and Anelka upfront, Drogba to leave because he hates (the) Chelsea (management) and we would see a more dynamic Blues attack. If they keep their wingers (or buy more penetrative ones than Shaun Wright Phillips), you might see a different Chelsea that would strike with verve and velocity.

However, with Lampard staying on and no other central midfielder that can provide that playmaking vision, it means that there might be too much dependence on Berbatov (assuming he arrives). Yes, there is Joe Cole, but put him in central midfield and he will be swarmed. Grant has also shown a preference for a traditional 4-4-2 so a diamond where Cole plays behind the 2 front strikers might be an option still despite that.

In short, it is obvious what Grant is trying to achieve and it is also the reason why he might survive longer under Roman - he gives the boss what he wants. Their other targets confirm this - Daniel Alves and David Villa - every player they are trying to sign is either a forward or attack-minded individual.