5 Players That CFC Should Sell This Summer (Part Two) – Soloman Kalou

Salomon Kalou:

Age: 25   Appearances (Goals): 227 (55)   Signed from: Feyenoord Rotterdam(£9million, 2006)

Possible Destinations: Arsenal, Liverpool

Transfer Value: £5-10million

Whilst doing my research I asked people which player they would expect Chelsea to sell during the summer and the majority of people suggested Salomon Kalou, and it is quite hard to disagree with them. Since his arrival in 2006, Kalou has failed to shine and prove that he is an out and out striker and has been regarded as one of the worst players to have worn a Chelsea shirt.

That statement is deemed a bit too harsh. Kalou has shown glimpses of his ability and goal scoring prowess. Kalou has got us some decisive goals, most notably the winner against Tottenham in that controversial match last season (2010/2011) and the equaliser against Manchester United in 2008 which preserved our unbeaten home record (at the time).

However, Kalou’s goal scoring record isn’t great. Managing a mere 55 goals in his 5 years at Chelsea shows that Kalou cannot be relied on to score goals. Kalou does have great pace and is more effective as a sub, coming off the bench to attack at tired defenders.

But we need a player who is just as effective if he starts.  The Ivorian’s lack of first touch and lack of goals scored makes him an obvious player who will probably leave the Bridge this summer. With Chelsea poised to sign Lukaku and possibly Neymar, Kalou will fall further down the pecking order and a move away would be ideal for the striker.

Should Kalou leave, and Chelsea not recruit any more strikers, it could leave us with a hole in our attacking department. Kalou is still only 25 years of age and has many years to come, unlike Drogba and Anelka, who both have two or three years left. Providing the right manager comes along, Kalou could still be transformed into a real striker, or a winger.

However, this idea might not just happen and the idea of Kalou being sold this summer is a big possibility.

A fee around the region of £8million would be seen as an ideal payment to secure the services of the Ivorian. British clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool are seen as potential destinations for Kalou; however I doubt that Chelsea will sell one of their players to their main title rivals.

For the rest of the series debating who Chelsea should sell click here