Jody Morris' transfer advice for Chelsea

Chelsea’s long-term rebuild continues to spark debate, particularly around recruitment and squad balance, and former Blues midfielder Jody Morris has weighed in on several of the club’s biggest talking points. From goalkeeping targets and defensive leadership to winger performance and even the possibility of a blockbuster move for Vinícius Jr, Morris offers a frank assessment of where Chelsea stand.

A Chelsea return for Marc Guehi?

Marc Guehi, a Chelsea academy product, is the defender who is on every big team’s list. Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern Munich are all reportedly looking to secure his services as he enters free agency in the summer.

Asked whether Chelsea should pursue Marc Guehi to address a lack of leadership at the back, Morris was blunt.

“Marc Guehi is a no-brainer for the top teams. I don't think we get him. And he's too old for Chelsea.”

“He's not too old for me. I would've bought Marc Guehi ages ago. In fact I wouldn't have sold him. Maybe when he first came up, he was the right age.”

Despite Chelsea’s previous interest, Morris believes the time has passed and, more importantly, that Chelsea are low on the pecking order to secure a talent like Guehi.

“In fairness, I know that Chelsea have been looking at him. Over the last few years, I know they've been looking at him. But if you're Marc Guehi, at the moment, as much as I would love him at Chelsea - great kid, fantastic family, what a boy to have around the place, fantastic pro, great player - he ain't going to Chelsea.”

“When you have the teams that are looking at him, where Chelsea are at the moment, and it kills me to say it, we are not in the conversation.”

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Chelsea’s winger conundrum

Turning his attention to Chelsea’s wide players, the former Leeds midfielder praised Pedro Neto and Estevao for their level of play so far.

“I love Pedro Neto. He’s done great for us and even when he is not producing from let’s say an offensive perspective, his work rate and willingness to work for the team has been outstanding. For me, he’s been one of our best players and has scored the most goals he’s ever scored in his career, whilst not being amazing.”

“Estevao has the potential to be a generational talent. Technically he’s outstanding. He’s scored in every competition and has scored some important goals. I love the fact he gets his shot off. There are a lot of technical wingers, with flair who don’t like to shoot but he wants to score. And also, he likes to run without the ball. He can be anything he wants to be. I’ve wanted to see him play more if anything. I love him.”

Morris, however, wasn’t as pleased with Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.

“Garnacho and Gittens for me, can do better. They haven’t hit the heights they’d want to hit from the levels they’ve shown previously. Garnacho has played a lot of play of late but I imagine most Chelsea fans and both players will be hoping for more going forward.”

Is a move for Vinicius Jr. possible?

With Vinícius Jr reportedly unsettled at Real Madrid and Chelsea a possible destination, Morris revealed his admiration for the Brazilian star.

“Personally, I love Vini Jr. I thought he was outstanding in the Supercopa de Espana. What a goal, the one he scored. He had Kounde on toast, didn't he?”

However, he questioned whether such a deal fits Chelsea’s current model and if Chelsea is an attractive destination for a player of Vinicius’ calibre.

“Personally, would I wanna sign him? Yeah. But I think he's too old for this ownership. I know he's 25 but he's 25 going on 26. Whatever we're going to have to shell out for him, I'm not sure. I know we've sold a hotel, a women's team and a car park or something but I'm not sure them accountants have any more moves in their locker to go and unlock a Vini Jr. move.”.

“Would I want him at Chelsea? Absolutely. But I'm not sure he's possible to go and buy and if you're Vini Jr., are you really looking to come to Chelsea? At the moment, where we are, you're not coming to Chelsea are you?”

“It's a good shout but it's a fairytale shout. I don't see it.”

Is Mike Maignan the man Chelsea need between the sticks?

With reports linking Chelsea to AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, the ex-Chelsea man questioned whether the club should be pushing hard for the French goalkeeper.

“I’m not necessarily of the belief Chelsea should do everything to try and get Mike Maignan. Now when Donnarumma became available in the summer, that was someone I think they should have gone and got.”

He also acknowledged improvement from Robert Sanchez, but raised doubts over his long-term ceiling.

“Robert Sanchez has been a lot better this season. Does that mean he’s the next goalkeeper to take you through to the next three or four years, if you want to get to the next level? I’m not sure. But, if we are looking to change Robert Sanchez, I would hope it’s someone that’s going to be clearly better than Sanchez rather than just competing with him.”

“Sanchez has really been dominating his box from crosses to free kicks. He’s been outstanding at collecting balls and getting our attacks started quickly. If Maignan is the one to replace Sanchez he better be levels above because Donnarumma is a world class keeper who sets levels and can take a team to another place.”

Read more as Jody Morris gives his thoughts on Liam Rosenior as Chelsea's new manager