Chelsea FC Transfer Talk: Why Blues Must Get Welsey Sneijder in January

Chelsea FC is in disarray, and Andre Villas-Boas couldn’t have imagined his first year coaching the Blues would start off this poorly.

While the issues mounting at Stamford Bridge are pretty complex, more often than not Roman Abramovich tackles such problems by opening the checkbook. And when the January transfer window opens up, I expect the eccentric owner to once again splash the cash in attempts to get Chelsea's title train back on the tracks.

A player that has been linked with Europe’s elite clubs for quite a while, Internazionale’s Wesley Sneijder is a rare talent that warrants all the speculation surrounding him. The Dutchman has been pivotal for his club and country, and his uncertain future at the San Siro has put many squads on the highest alert.

Chelsea are looking to get back to the top of the table and perhaps bringing in a player of Sneijder’s quality can kick start a resurgence. While one person does not make the team, the Dutchman is not like other players and can certainly solve a few lingering concerns of AVB’s.

Here are a few reasons as to why Chelsea need to bring in the Inter playmaker come January.

1. The Michael Essien Concern

When the Ghanaian is in the fold, CFC is a completely different side who look cohesive and competitive—if he is available for selection that is.

Essien has been injured far too frequently and AVB’s men have suffered in his absence.

He is yet to feature this year and with his return still uncertain, nobody has adequately filled in for the 28-year-old and provided a companion to CFC’s most consistent performer this year, Frank Lampard.

If Abramovich brings in Sneijder, the midfield would be instantly bolstered and ease the pain of Essien’s layoff. The thought of Sneijder and Lampard patrolling the Chelsea midfield is mouthwatering and the pressure on AVB would greatly diminish.

2. Influence

Chelsea younger squad members, like Josh McEachran, Juan Mata and Daniel Sturridge, are all showing their vast potential and looking capable of carrying the torch for the aging stars.

Wesley Sneijder is a player who is in his prime but has the knowledge and experience needed to lead the upcoming talent. That balance is influential, and he could become a very important field mediator in a squad like Chelsea, who have some substantial age gaps.

Chelsea need to get it together quickly and Sneijder is man who can help. He dealt with a similar situation earlier this season with Inter and can bring insight as well.

3. AVB’s Lifeline

Villas-Boas is a gifted manager who coaches well beyond his years, and the hype surrounding him coming into this season was merited.

That being said, no manager’s job is ever safe and with his team being in such poor form this long, it is natural the topic of job security begins to surface. Abramovich rules with an iron fist and while I think AVB is not quite on the hot seat, the Portuguese manager knows he must make some drastic changes.

If AVB is able to convince his owner to bring in Sneijder this January, and sees the Dutchman revitalize the club, many of the criticism will go away. Nothing quiets your critics quite like results, and Sneijder is the type of player who can single-handedly get AVB those results.

4. Longevity/Long-Term Solution

Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and the other older Chelsea players are still playing at the highest level, but the truth is these guys aren’t going to be around much longer.

Sneijder can be viewed as a long-term solution to not only Chelsea’s on-field woes but also for their locker room leadership. The Dutchman is respected amongst his peers and can lead by example both on and off the pitch.

I feel Chelsea have a lot of off-field issues distracting the team, and perhaps a fresh face like Sneijder can shake up the team. AVB isn’t necessarily a pushover, but he can’t do it alone, and he needs some help corralling the team.

5. World-Class Talent

Champions League winner, Ballon d’Or shortlisted, World Cup finalist, Treble winner. Wesley Sneijder’s resume alone strikes fear into opponents, and he would have no trouble performing in front of the Chelsea faithful.

The fact is that the Inter midfielder is a precocious talent who can play in any side on this planet. The assets he brings to the mix are unique and only few others in the game have reached the echelons Sneijder has.

AVB and company are going to need to fend off some stiff competition because everyone in the EPL wants a piece of the Inter man. Abramovich has no problem outbidding other owners and nobody would question his decision to acquire of Sneijder.