Analysing the transfer gossip – 5th July: Part 2: Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs and more

Chelsea’s reshaping of their squad under manager Jose Mourinho continued last night, with striker Demba Ba, 29, holding talks with Anzhi Makhachkala. Midfielder John Obi Mikel, 26, will follow him out of Stamford Bridge.

Full story: the Times

What’s the story? Demba Ba would seem to be the odd man out in Chelsea’s forwards carousel. I picked him out as one the better bargains on offer this summer and he seems to be on the move. He’s got a reputation for following the money and Anzhi aren’t short of that. Mikel has done his stock some good with his performances in Brazil this summer but needs a fresh start.Does it make sense? Yes. Ba can make a good pairing with Eto’o in Russia. Mikel can be a decent playmaker but needs to be in a team where he is the main man, which he won’t be at Chelsea.Is the price right? Chelsea might be able get more than the £8-12m that Ba is worth from Anzhi. No one should pay more than that for Mikel either, even despite looking good in Brazil.Will it happen? 9/10: Ba – Anzhi have lots of money. 8/10: Mikel to leave – needs a fresh start and Chelsea are looking elsewhere in midfield.