September 10, 2024

Palmer’s England Role? Chelsea Nears Striker Sale

Lee Carsley hints that Chelsea’s Cole Palmer could be given a new role with the England squad. Meanwhile, Chelsea is close to finalizing a deal to sell a striker to AEK Athens.

Lee Carsley hints that Chelsea’s Cole Palmer might have a new role with England

Carsley kicked off his interim role with a solid 2-0 victory over Ireland on Saturday, thanks to goals from former Ireland players Declan Rice and Jack Grealish.

After taking over from Gareth Southgate following Euro 2024, the former U-21 coach is now the leading candidate for the full-time job in England. However, he’s not resting on his laurels and is eager to put his own stamp on the team.

Carsley is tackling England’s need for a controlling central midfielder as part of his plan. This need prompted him to give Angel Gomes his first senior call-up.

England’s interim boss is ready to take it a step further, indicating that both Palmer and Foden have the skills to dominate games from a deeper, central role.

‘”I think we have produced them,’ Carsley said ahead of England’s clash with Finland when asked about his side’s lack of controlling midfielder.

“It’s us just getting our mindset as coaches to understand that, to play a player like that, you are going to forsake some of the physicality, but you are going to have the ball. A lot of it is just the belief bit.

“It’s us just getting our mindset as coaches to understand that, to play a player like that, you are going to forsake some of the physicality, but you are going to have the ball. A lot of it is just the belief bit.”

Due to injury and illness, neither the Chelsea nor Manchester City star is available to Carsley, who is set to give former Manchester United prospect Gomes his first start.

“I spoke about it when we did the squad selection that I think that we have to get our eyes used to having this sort of player,” he said of the Lille midfielder.

“He’s not box-to-box, he’s not massively physical, but technically, he can control a game from the middle of the pitch with his positioning and his technique.

“If we’re going to win a major tournament, we need variety. We need players who are multifunctional, and I think he’s in that bracket.

“He gets the ball, he slows things down, and he gets you playing again, even in a physical game like that. He’s more than capable of doing that. To get into the squad and already make his debut, as did Morgan [Gibbs-White], is a good achievement.”

Chelsea is nearing a deal to sell a striker to AEK Athens

Chelsea is in advanced talks with AEK Athens to sell young striker David Datro Fofana. With the Greek transfer window closing soon, both clubs are working quickly to finalize the deal.

Since moving to Chelsea from Molde in January 2023 for over €10 million, Fofana has struggled to establish a regular place in the first team. Although he displayed promise during loan stints at Union Berlin and Burnley, where he scored four Premier League goals in 15 appearances, Fofana remains on the outskirts of the Chelsea squad.

AEK Athens has recently become the top contender, and talks have heated up in the last 48 hours. Chelsea is aiming to finalize a deal that includes add-ons to recover some of the initial investment.

Fofana clearly has talent, but his future at Stamford Bridge seems uncertain as Chelsea continues to revamp their squad under new management.

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