I certainly did not expect to put the names of Drogba, Lampard and Robben in a post title that also has the words ‘Transfer News’. When some mindless rumours about them turn into news, it’s only fair to talk about them. Chelsea’s transfer activity this season has been very strategic as less money spent puts less pressure on the club and players.

First up, Alex might finally arrive at Stamford Bridge and wear the blue jersey that he has been longing for. Right now he is busy with helping Brazil retain the Copa America. During this three year long stay in Holland, he has managed to get his citizenship which makes him a EU player and thus negating the need for a work permit.

Robben is not moving. If Robben Sr is a man of words, surely Robben Jr is staying with us. The last we heard was that he is only looking for a fountain pen to ink his signature. Chelsea looking to sign Malouda and not planning to sell SWP show that Jose could have 4-3-3 in his mind, in which case Robben should flourish. Out of all the wingers and makeshift wingers in the Chelsea squad, Robben is easily the most skilled and highly effective so he should know that his future’s bright and future’s blue.

Looks like Malouda has even got his flight to London booked already. Amidst news about Arsenal and Liverpool making bids for him and our offer for him being rejected by Lyon, Malouda has gone public about his interest in joining Chelsea. In fact, he was so emphatic about joining Chelsea that he says that he’d join Chelsea at any cost. Drogba and Malouda are old buddies and surely Drogba must have played a crucial part in getting Malouda.

It would be better for everyone if my transfer to Chelsea is finalised because I want to leave. I have made my choice. I have talked with the coach Jose Mourinho. The directors know I want to leave and in these conditions I can’t see me playing for Lyon anymore. Even if another club is ready to offer more money, I am determined (to go to Chelsea) and have been for a while.

Some rumours about Drogba too. Skysports has contradicted their own news within a week. Few days back they said Drogba has doubts about his Chelsea future and now they report that Drogba is keen to stay with Chelsea. Drogba has now made it crystal clear that he would stay with us. With Malouda likely to join us, I don’t see why Drogba should not be excited. So let’s not listen these rumours about Drogba anymore.

In his interview, Drogba also coolly wrote off the chances of Goners. I just loved it:

The exit of Henry to Barcelona is good news for us – it means that there is one less rival in Chelsea’s way. And Arsenal have a serious problem because Henry’s absence is a very complicated issue to resolve. For us this one rare change means it will be Chelsea and United fighting for the Premiership again.

BBC reports (understands) that Lampard has rejected a new contract offered by Chelsea. Apparently the new contract would have made him the top earner in the Chelsea team, even more than Ballack & Shevchenko. Super Frank is still the darling of the crowds, so a vast majority of Chelsea fans would see this as bad news, if it’s truly news. Frank is a tough minded hard working player with a direct approach to his game. To some extent he even personifies the Chelsea game – very straight forward, not too flambuoyant, gets the job done, would give his all in any part of the pitch. Last season we were missing our creative players such as Joe Cole, Robben, Ballack and Sheva, either because of injury or poor form. During their absence, Lampard’s limitations were very glaring but still he ended with 21 goals, 21 assists, 9 aids (and 6 woodworks too). That means he has played a part in 51 goals out of the 117 goals Chelsea scored this season. I’d never doubt his influence. With Robben, Joe Cole, Malouda and a probable in-form Sheva and Ballack around, we cannot afford to miss Lampard’s services. I’m sure he wants to stay and all I can is that hope he signs a new contract soon.

Let’s get this straight and put this discussion to bed.

{democracy:50}

Chelsea’s transfers in this window have been very fruitful so far. The neutrals or even the rivals would agree that we have grown very strong now. There was only one thing we were not prepared for, last season – the multiplicity of injuries. Now, with the current squad after new signings and near-signings, we are fully prepared for anything that fate is going to throw at us.

See you later with more news.

Lampard Update

Frank’s agent Kutner says this:

The three (Kutner, Lampard & Kenyon) of us haven’t had a chance to have talks. There has never been a time when the three of us have been free as Frank has been on holiday and Peter has been away. But nothing has changed. Frank has always said he wants to stay at Chelsea for the rest of his career. He will join up with Chelsea’s tour next week and will be as committed as ever. Nothing can get sorted out until he gets back, but there is no rush.