Chelsea Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of December 16
January is on the horizon, and with that comes the transfer window.
Clubs are starting to make plans for when the window opens, and the speculation is hotting up as a consequence.
Here is your weekly dose of transfer rumours and stories surrounding Chelsea. Be sure to check back each day for further developments.
—LATEST UPDATE: Sunday, December 22—
Shaw Ready for Chelsea Move as Cole Doubts Grow
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Chelsea are planning for life without Ashley Cole, with the defender having lost his untouchable status in recent weeks.
The Mail’s Joe Bernstein suggests Cole is toying with the idea of quitting the club, and potentially quitting football altogether, in the summer.
Whatever the future holds for Cole, Chelsea are seeking a left-back.
Southampton’s Luke Shaw has been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge, and the Mirror’s Alan Nixon suggests the defender is ready to make the move—if he receives assurances about playing regularly.
In his piece, Nixon wrote:
"The West London giants will get a ‘yes’ from Shaw if they can convince him there is a regular place available.
Shaw has been watched by all the top clubs—both at home and in Europe—but his sights are set on joining Chelsea, the club he supported as a boy.
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Monaco Rule out Falcao Sale
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Monaco have ruled out the possibility of selling Radamel Falcao in January.
The forward only made the move to Monaco in the summer, but he has been regularly linked with a January move to Stamford Bridge.
Monaco have persistently maintained that they have no desire to sell Falcao and vice-chairman Vadim Vasilyev has insisted he is key to their plans.
Sky Sports have the quotes from Vasilyev.
"People believe it is suspicious to have such a great player in France. They ask 'When will he leave? In January or in June?'
We have always stated that Falcao is essential to our project. He allows us to hire other players and build a whole team.
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Guarin Agent Confirms Chelsea Talks
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Chelsea have moved ahead in the race for Fredy Guarin, following confirmation from his agent that talks have taken place.
The midfielder has been widely talked about, and in recent weeks Chelsea have featured prominently.
It appears the speculation is pretty close to the mark, as Guarin’s agent has confirmed talks.
The Mirror’s Liam Prenderville has the quotes from Marcelo Ferreyra.
"We have already been to London with Inter and met with Chelsea directors to make their interest formal.
If both clubs reach an agreement, a transfer is an option, but Fredy is happy at Inter as well if they don't agree terms.
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Kakuta Wants out of Chelsea
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Gael Kakuta is something of a forgotten man, but he has popped back on the radar by insisting he wants to leave Chelsea permanently.
The forward is currently on loan at Vitesse Arnhem, and is seemingly enjoying his time as the team are flying high in the Dutch Eredivisie.
But rather than playing to impress Chelsea, it seems Kakuta is playing to impress other clubs.
The Star’s Colin Harvey has quotes from Kakuta.
I am very grateful for my time at Chelsea.
But like any professional footballer, I want to play regularly in order to give new impetus to my career and evolve to a higher level.
I know I am ready for this challenge.
Blues to Battle AC Milan for Rodriguez
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Chelsea are on the trail of Wolfsburg defender Ricardo Rodriguez and are ready to battle AC Milan for his signature, according to the Sun (Subscription).
The Blues have been linked with a number of left-backs, as they seek a long-term replacement for Ashley Cole, with Rodriguez the latest to crop up.
Rodriguez is represented by Gianluca Di Domenico and the Sun has picked up on quotes from the agent.
"He will not move in January because Wolfsburg do not want to sell as they absolutely want to get into the Champions League.
Maybe after the World Cup in June but it will not be easy for Milan as many clubs are interested.
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Blues Head the Chase for Andrea Ranocchia
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Chelsea are heading the chase for Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia, according to the Express' Nick Lustig.
Per Lustig's report, Blues boss Jose Mourinho is looking for potential replacements for David Luiz and has set his sights on Ranocchia.
With Ranocchia struggling for regular playing time at Inter, the door is ajar for clubs to make a move in January.
In his piece, Lustig wrote:
"Despite claiming commitment to the Inter cause, Ranocchia is yet to sign a new contract and his stalling is said to have angered Inter officials.
Arsenal, United and Spurs are also monitoring the situation, however it looks like Chelsea could hold the trump card to any deal to sign Ranocchia.
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Hulk Back in Focus for Chelsea?
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Chelsea are being linked with a move for Brazil international Hulk by talkSPORT.
The forward has proved a big hit in Russia with Zenit St. Petersburg, having joined them in the summer of 2012 from Porto.
However, talkSPORT have picked up on a report by Russian daily Izvestia, which claimed the player had spoken to Zenit and expressed a desire to head to a “more prestigious European league at the end of the season.”
Chelsea have long been linked with a bid for Hulk, and talkSPORT suggest they may well renew their interest in the summer.
Bayer Set Stall out for De Bruyne
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Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed their interest in taking Kevin De Bruyne from Chelsea.
De Bruyne’s future has been a hot topic of debate on account of his lack of playing time for the Blues.
With the World Cup on the horizon, there is a strong suspicion De Bruyne will be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge on loan.
A host of teams have been jockeying for position, with Leverkusen the latest to confirm their interest in the winger.
Speaking to Sky Deutschland (h/t Sky Sports), Bayer director of sport Rudi Voller said:
"We made no secret of our interest in Kevin De Bruyne right from last summer.
There are many clubs interested in him.
Regardless of our league position, we're always looking for new players.
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