Chelsea to sell Malouda for as little as £5m?

A news story broke yesterday afternoon/evening that took me by surprise but thinking about it, could make perfect sense. The story relates to the "sudden" availability of Florent Malouda to European clubs for as little as £5m before the transfer window closes next Wednesday.

Now straight away I thought "No way" purely and simply because of the balance that Malouda provides us down that left hand side when he plays and plays well. Now Yuri Zhirkov has left the club we look a different side when he isn't playing just like we did for the first 35 minutes against West Brom at the weekend.

The again, I thought to myself, well he is 31 and just has one year left on his contract. Last season his formed wavered from starting well, to being diabolical and to picking up towards the end of the season. I said it at the time as it was almost like the smile had gone from his face, he wasn't enjoying his football and looked as though he had plenty of issues going on that prevented him for enjoying football.

I think the signing of Juan Mata is massive and will be huge going forward. At just 23, Mata being naturally left sided, would be the ideal replacement for Malouda. There is the age, the ability and at the end of the day he is a totally different player that WILL offer Chelsea something very different to Malouda.

According to the press, Malouda is of "interest" to Juventus and their General Manager. So expect a bid of around £5m to come in for the Frenchman.

Could it be that AVB has decided that Malouda is the next person out the Chelsea door and why would he?. For me, Malouda isn't your pacey winger looking to beat his man at every opportunity, get to the byline and whip in all sorts of crosses on a regular basis and I think you will agree with me that at times, he slows our game down.

Maybe it's purely because of the fact that he does slow the game down that has forced AVB's hand as he is looking for Chelsea to play fast, expressive, attacking football?.

I have to say though, £5m is a big surprise as you would think we would want more. Maybe it's because he only has a year left and Chelsea need to shift some players out the door that they have taken this step.

We do have to remember, and people bear with us on this. The next 6 days or so will be immense as there will be plenty speculated about Chelsea with numerous players being linked with moves in and out of the club.

One thing is for sure though. AVB has said from day one that everyone has a chance to impress him in pre season and in training and he will make decisions from then.

Could it be Malouda next shown the door by AVB? What do you think?

KTBFFH

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