Roberto Firmino could be making a transfer move, a year on from joining Al-Ahli at the end of his Liverpool contract. And it might see the Anfield legend play an unlikely part in thwarting Chelsea's frantic deadline day scramble .
Incredibly, despite banishing Raheem Sterling to the bomb squad and bringing in Pedro Neto and Joao Felix, Chelsea is still not entirely satisfied with its front line. Even more amazingly, that's probably a legitimate stance, with the Blues still looking a little light on firepower through the middle — although that begs many questions of their billion-dollar recruitment up to this point.
Chelsea did manage to put six past Wolves, courtesy of a hat-trick from Noni Madueke, who just days earlier had been linked with a loan move to Newcastle . That more or less summed up the combination of talent and disarray currently swirling around at Stamford Bridge.
READ MORE: Liverpool transfer deadline day news LIVE: Joe Gomez and Alan Varela stance as 'private jet sent'
READ MORE: Steven Gerrard makes feelings clear on Federico Chiesa transfer to Liverpool
While Liverpool fans would probably have liked more than one transfer arrival to get excited about this summer, the impending deadline will likely come as a relief to many Chelsea supporters. The constant wheeling and dealing has become both exhausting and disenchanting.
However, the desperate scramble for more forward additions will go right down to the wire. One option to have been discussed is Ivan Toney.
The Brentford forward is undergoing a medical ahead of a proposed move to Firmino's side Al-Ahli, according to Sky Sports . Toney could arrive in a startling double deal that would also see Victor Osimhen join the Saudi side.
The Napoli striker, too, has been linked to Chelsea for much of the summer. But the Pro League millions look likely to win out on deadline day — although there's a potential issue.
Saudi teams are allowed to register up to 10 foreign players as part of a 25-man squad. However, only two can be born before 2003, with the league hoping to promote the arrival of more young talent.
That gives Al-Ahli a problem when trying to sign both Osimhen and Toney. According to talkSPORT , though, the solution could be to move Firmino on to another side in Saudi Arabia. Should that deal not go ahead, Chelsea would be left flailing in its attempts to add another number nine.
It does however appear to be closing in on a deal for Jadon Sancho from Manchester United — a baffling move for player and club alike, with Stamford Bridge just about the worst possible place for the winger to try and revive his career.
Liverpool.com says: At this point, you wouldn't be especially shocked if Chelsea ended up signing Firmino! It's been a chaotic transfer window for the London club, and deadline day has so far been more of the same.
It's tough on the former Liverpool man if he is shunted aside to make way for Toney and Osimhen. But it has to be said that's a fearsome strike partnership for a team in the Pro League — and it really feels like a waste.
Most Popular
Comments / 0