Chelsea have been urged to turn down the chance to re-sign Mohamed Salah even though he will be available on a free transfer next summer.
Salah insists Liverpool have not yet given him what he wants, despite his 16 goals and 12 assists, and that he can leave Anfield on July 1. A number of clubs around the world are keeping a close eye on developments, but former Chelsea defender William Gallas does not think the Egyptian star would be a good fit at Stamford Bridge.
Salah, who was largely ignored by Chelsea when he was at the club between January 2014 and August 2016, turns 33 in June and Gallas believes coach Enzo Maresca is developing the Blues in a different way. “I think Chelsea should reject the opportunity to sign Mohamed Salah as a free agent this summer,” the former France defender told Prime Casino. “I think he would be a disruption for the team.
“The current Chelsea team are all learning and growing together and it is working for Enzo Maresca. They're all part of a generation without big egos, despite Cole Palmer being the center of it.
“I don't think bringing in a player like Salah would be good for the balance of the squad, despite his form in the Premier League and the way that would weaken Liverpool.”
Chelsea have climbed to second place in the Premier League and Gallas believes they can benefit from more mistakes from leaders Liverpool in the title race. “Chelsea can take hope in the title race from Liverpool's draw against Newcastle and defeat against Nottingham Forest,” he said.
“We have seen that if you put pressure on Liverpool, teams can cause them problems. You have to surprise them because they like to play at high intensity.
“Teams can sometimes be afraid of Liverpool, but Newcastle were not and it showed. You have to be direct with them and not be afraid to push them higher because they can make mistakes.
Gallas believes his former club Arsenal should move for Wolves striker Matheus Cunha next month and the Brazilian has scored seven goals in 15 Premier League games. “It is a good time for Matheus Cunha to think about a move to a top club, but he must also think about the team in which he will fit best with his new teammates,” he said.
“Arsenal need backup in defense and midfield as well as a striker, with the striker being the most important at the moment so he could be a good fit.” Arsenal may be third in the Champions League but Gallas believes they should focus on trying to take their first Premier League since 2004 to the next level.
“Arsenal must concentrate on the Premier League,” he said. “In the Champions League there are teams that are better than Arsenal in the tournament, including Liverpool, Barcelona and probably Bayern Munich. Arsenal need to focus on the Premier League and that should be the priority, no more losing points.
“I think this should be Arsenal's season because next year Liverpool will be there again, Chelsea will be at the top there, just like Manchester City and maybe even Manchester United. They have to go all out this season.”
Comments