Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Petr Cech, Mohamed Salah and More

With club football on hold due to the international break, the rumour mill is working overtime to feed fans a daily dose of transfer news and rumours. Premier League leaders Chelsea are no exception.

The 2014-15 season has been good to the Blues, and with an abundance of talent available for Jose Mourinho, it's inevitable to hear stories about players potentially leaving the club.

The January window likely won't see much turnover, but with several star players potentially available on the open market, some contributors may have to give way to accommodate new signings. Here's the latest transfer news surrounding the Blues.

Arsenal in for Petr Cech?

Sang Tan/Associated Press

Veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech is inching closer to a January exit, and according to The Sun (h/t Metro's Vaishali Bhardwaj), Arsenal will attempt to persuade the Blues to allow the Czech international to join their rivals with a £7 million bid.

Teammate and current starter Thibaut Courtois understands Cech's frustration at not playing, and he told Sky Sports he would make the decision to leave as well if found himself in a similar situation:

"As a goalkeeper you want to play. If I was in that situation where I didn’t play a lot, then I would leave too," he said. “I think Petr is still a goalkeeper with a lot of quality and one of the best there is."

Mourinho undoubtedly enjoys the fact he has two quality options to choose from since it is the perfect insurance against injury or suspension, but if Cech truly desires to leave the club, it's unlikely Chelsea will fail to give in to that request.

That said, it's doubtful Mourinho will allow Cech to move to a direct rival. With Paris Saint-Germain still interested in his services, per Bhardwaj, it's far more likely the Blues will attempt to strike a deal with the current French champions.

Letting a longtime contributor leave for a Premier League team is one thing—allowing him to strengthen a title rival from the same city is something else entirely. And with PSG offering a better chance at silverware, it's likely Cech would prefer a move to the City of Light, regardless.

Loan Deal for Mohamed Salah?

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

New Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini is reportedly eyeing a January loan move for Chelsea's Mohamed Salah, according to Football Italia. The Egypt international has yet to start a single Premier League or Champions League match this season, per WhoScored, and he will likely be available for a temporary deal.

Italian papers claim Salah had already been offered to Inter, but former manager Walter Mazzarri wasn't interested as the 22-year-old didn't fit his tactical scheme. Mancini sees him as a better fit however, opening the door to resume negotiations.

Salah impressed in the first months after his arrival from Basel but was never able to establish himself as a regular starter. With the competition for spots fierce in Chelsea's midfield, it's doubtful he'll have the chance to improve his standing anytime soon.

A permanent move may come too soon, however—Chelsea dealt Kevin De Bruyne for a substantial sum last season, only to watch him tear it up in the Bundesliga, via HLN's Kristof Terreur:

Similar to De Bruyne, Salah may be worth more in a potential sale if the club allows him to develop for another season, and Inter could present the perfect solution. The club just sacked a manager and installed Mancini, who will need to do something drastic in order to turn the Nerazzurri's fortunes around.

Salah could be the answer for the Italians, and in turn, Chelsea could benefit from allowing him to continue his development elsewhere.

Andre Schurrle to be Used in Marco Reus Swap?

Jon Super/Associated Press

The Marco Reus sweepstakes are heating up fast, and Metro's Kristian Downer suggests the Blues may use Germany international Andre Schurrle as a bargaining chip to reel in his compatriot:

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Despite winning the World Cup in the summer, this has not immediately translated into success for his club side. Schurrle has yet to cement himself as a regular starter at Stamford Bridge despite some memorable performances.

So far he has been inconsistent in a blue shirt something that Jose Mourinho has discussed in his press conferences. ‘Sometimes he plays phenomenal. Other times plays so-so. But when he plays phenomenal, he is phenomenal.’

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Schurrle has started four Premier League matches so far, per WhoScored, and his best performances have often come off the bench, similar to the 2013-14 season. The 24-year-old has potential, but so far, his performances have been too inconsistent to warrant a regular starting position.

The winger is a good player and loved by the Chelsea faithful. Reus isn't a good player—he's a great player, a veritable superstar. Schurrle has the potential to continue his development, but it's unlikely he'll ever reach the level of his Germany teammate.

If Borussia Dortmund want a player in return for their star forward, Schurrle would make for an interesting option. He was successful in the Bundesliga before joining the Blues, and his versatility means he would virtually be a direct replacement on the pitch for the departing Reus.

The biggest question mark is whether or not the Blues need Reus with Willian having such a strong season, but the prospect of Eden Hazard teaming with the German in support of Diego Costa in tantalising, to say the least.

Fans would likely prefer to keep Schurrle and just buy Reus, but if a player needs to be sacrificed, Schurrle might be the man to push the Blues to the front of the queue.

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