Desailly's Unlikely Fix: Why Chelsea Should Bin Palmer and Back Nunez

Chelsea's season has been a rather limp affair thus far. Following Enzo Maresca's sacking in January, Liam Rosenior's men currently languish in fifth place, having drawn their last two outings against Leeds United and Burnley. That leaves them three points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United and a whopping 16 points behind runaway leaders Arsenal.

The Blues clearly need reinforcements come summer. Three areas demand immediate attention: goalkeeper, centre-back, and the striker's berth. Yet Marcel Desailly, the club's former stalwart, has served up a rather eyebrow-raising solution.

The legendary defender reckons Chelsea ought to pursue Darwin Nunez, the Uruguayan who abandoned Anfield for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal last summer. Speaking to Foot Italia, Desailly made his pitch: "I would actually recommend Nunez for Chelsea. He's a very good player, a smart player – he just needs the right environment to perform."

The narrative, as Desailly frames it, is one of confidence evaporating. "When you start on a bad note, the confidence disappears and the consideration from those around you follows," he explained. "That's what happened to Núñez at Liverpool."

Desailly believes a club of Chelsea's stature – or indeed a revamped Manchester United – could provide the sanctuary Nunez requires. "He needs to be surrounded by established, confident players who know they're going to play every weekend and who will give him the ball on the first intention," Desailly added.

Here's where it gets spicy: Desailly has suggested Chelsea might fund such a move by cashing in on Cole Palmer. The winger has rediscovered his sharpness recently, contributing four goals and an assist across his last three matches following a two-month injury lay-off. Still, Desailly reckons his sale shouldn't be ruled out.

"It's about the club, not any one player," Desailly stated. "Chelsea have the potential to perform without Palmer. He has a long contract, so if he were to leave, significant money would come in that you could reinvest in players who fit the manager's philosophy."

The former defender drew a personal parallel, recalling his own career choice between Monaco and Marseille. "I'm sure he's giving his best to get Chelsea into the top four. But if his heart is telling him to go – well, I had to choose between Monaco and Marseille once, and I followed my heart. I went to Marseille because I was a fan. Players come and go in modern football, but the club is the priority in the hearts of supporters."

A bold suggestion, then. Whether Rosenior and the Chelsea hierarchy are listening remains to be seen.