Despite a long-standing interest, Chelsea look set to miss out on a move for Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini, according to comments made by both Fellaini and manager David Moyes.
The West London club had thought to be interested in signing the Belgian international over the upcoming summer transfer window, but with the Merseyside club still wanting to keep the midfielder and Fellaini wanting to remain at Goodison Park, the Blues appear to have missed their target.
Fellaini told The Daily Mirror:
Am I interested in Chelsea? It’s normal, right? I’ve never played in the Champions League! But I’m happy here, I know everyone, I get along with my team-mates. It’s my home...
Moyes also confirmed that Everton wanted to keep their star midfielder, speaking about what Fellaini offers the club (Yahoo Sports, h/t Daily Mirror).
He is a big part of our squad, and he is someone that we will be more than happy to see here again next year at Goodison. He is a good player in either role and is capable of doing both. I think, as he matures, he might grow into a deeper role, but currently he does give us a different attacking option and has scored quite a few goals.
Yet whilst the news might come as dour to some Chelsea fans, the reality is that Fellaini's snub (which seems likely now) isn't a bad outcome for the Blues.
In fact, it's actually a good thing for Chelsea.
Perhaps the biggest thing here is the money—something that Chelsea have an abundance of given their backing from Roman Abramovich—but something that they won't necessarily just throw away on anything. Least of which being a player who would likely cost around £25 million (per Transfermarkt), who would simply fill a need that they've already filled.
That's not to suggest that Fellaini wouldn't be a good player at Chelsea in the No. 10 role nor that he isn't a talented individual. But given the Blues' current squad and how their midfield is looking for next season, they definitely don't need to make a move for Fellaini.
Juan Mata and Oscar both are capable playing centrally, as is Eden Hazard when needed. Victor Moses, Marko Marin, Lucas Piazon, Frank Lampard and Ramires all have spots that need to be found throughout midfield during the year, or they will likely want out of the club.
Throw in also the plethora of transfer news we've seen that the Blues will reportedly make—signing Andre Schurrle (per ESPN) and Radamel Falcao (h/t Daily Mirror) as well as keeping Fernando Torres and Romelu Lukaku (via BBC and the Daily Mail, respectively)—to give them the following squad for the 2013-14 season:
Simply put, there's no need for Fellaini in that squad.
The Blues have a rich abundance of midfielder and attackers who are capable of playing in different roles and formations. They have more than enough depth, and they therefore don't need to spend £25 million just to bring another "squad player" in.
Chelsea have other options if they really want to spend money this summer, like consolidating their defense, and they definitely don't need to sign a new midfielder.
Not a bad result for the Blues.
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