Chelsea Transfer Rumours: Fernando Torres to Be Replaced by David Villa?

With the January transfer window coming frighteningly close to opening, Chelsea is looking to make some moves that will push them up towards first place place in the Premier League table. 

After the vast disappointment of Fernando Torres not living up to any of the hype that came along with his transfer to the club last year, Chelsea is allegedly looking to get rid of Torres. 

According to The Guardian, Chelsea has abandoned all hopes of working Torres back up to his prior splendor and will sell him for cheap when the transfer window opens in January. 

Torres, who was once considered one of the most dangerous strikers in all football, has been a great disappoint for Chelsea and has scored only five goals in 22 games for the Blues. 

Amid Torres' decline, he has only seen six games in the Premier League as a starter this season (out of 15 total, he has appeared in five games as a sub). In a total of 11 appearances, Torres has scored a mere two goals, which is nowhere near the numbers that he put up with Premier League opponent Liverpool. 

So who would replace Torres if Chelsea decides to sell him?

The Guardian reports: "There are suggestions that André Villas-Boas wants to replace Torres with Barcelona's David Villa."

However, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has denied the rumors and says that he will continue to incorporate Villa in Barcelona's various lineups. 

"I am the one who comes up with 25 different lineups during the season because I feel that is the best thing to do," Guardiola said. "Most of the players that are here now will continue for the rest of this season and the next."

Villa has played a different role for Barça this year, starting eight games and subbing seven games. Still, his production has not declined, as he has five goals and continues to be a major threat for the La Liga team. 

Chelsea would love to get their hands on David Villa to replace Torres, but it's unsure whether Barcelona will be willing to sell Villa, who plays a key role on Pep Guardiola's team.  

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