Chelsea Transfer News: Branislav Ivanovic Considered by Palace, Latest Rumours

Crystal Palace reportedly want to sign Chelsea’s struggling defender Branislav Ivanovic. 

That’s according to Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror, who suggested the south London side are one of many potential suitors for the 32-year-old. Indeed, it’s noted that despite his recent downturn in form “a number of top-flight clubs” want to sign Ivanovic, with “interest from across Europe and the Far East.”

Since Chelsea boss Antonio Conte made the switch to a 3-4-3 system Ivanovic has been left out of the Blues XI. The Serbia international has struggled badly for form over the past couple of seasons and this tweak in formation suggests his days may be numbered at the Bridge.

After all, as we can see here courtesy of Sky Sports Statto, since Conte moved to a back three, Chelsea have flourished in the Premier League:

Ivanovic was formerly a force of nature at the back for Chelsea. At his best at right-back, he would be indomitable in physical battles and a major presence in the air. Additionally, Ivanovic was exceptional when marching forward with the ball, whipping dangerous crosses into the box and chipping in with vital goals from set pieces.

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However, since the start of 2015-16, he’s been a shadow of his best. As such, it’s little surprise he’s been marginalised by Conte as of late.

Even so, the Serbian has been a key man since moving to Stamford Bridge in 2008. Per Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, dropping him was a big decision by the manager:

Palace may benefit from someone like Ivanovic, who has experience at the highest level and could be galvanised by the prospect of a new challenge. If he was to leave Chelsea, the formerly commanding defender would be wished well by all at the club, having won two Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League as a Blues player.

Blues Eye Sead Kolasinac

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According to Bild (h/t Dipesh Agarwal of Sport Witness), Chelsea are interested in signing Sead Kolasinac from Schalke 04.

It’s noted that the player’s future with his current club is uncertain, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. While it’s suggested the Bundesliga side want to agree a new deal, the Blues would be an enticing proposition for the player, while West Ham United are also said to be admirers.

Kolasinac would be a handy addition to a Chelsea squad that looks a little short of depth in the defensive positions. Here is a look at what he can offer:

The 23-year-old is an assured and intelligent operator. Additionally, he’s also shown an ability to play further forward on the flank, which is a trait that will undoubtedly appeal to Conte, who is flexible in the way in which he sets his sides up.

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Kolasinac may feel as though the time is right to sample a new challenge too. After some decent years at Schalke, the chance to move to a massive club like Chelsea and work under Conte could prove to be too big an opportunity to turn down.

Left-back is a spot where the Blues are without too many natural options either, with Marcos Alonso currently operating in a wing-back role. So while plenty of players making a switch to Stamford Bridge would potentially be worried about their chances of getting regular football, Kolasinac would be confident of forcing his way into the XI.