Analysing Chelsea's chances of signing Arturo Vidal
Antonio Conte has claimed he would want to 'go to war' with Vidal.
The only question is whether Chelsea are able to prise the Chilean away from Bayern. And if Vidal's transformation in the last few weeks is anything to go by, that may prove to be an impossible task. Just six weeks ago, it didn't seem unlikely at all. While Bayern had restored their brutish dominance over the Bundesliga under Jupp Heynckes, Vidal's stock had fallen.
Vidal had not enjoyed the best start to the season. Yet as Bayern struggled under Carlo Ancelotti, he at least showed some spirit, launching himself into tackles with his usual brutish gusto. Once Heynckes arrived to steady the ship, however, that gusto started to look more like aggression and lack of control.The rest of the team stabilised, but Vidal continued to scamper around erratically. When he wasn't looking lost, he was trying too hard.
With his contract set to expire in 2019, the German club would have to sell him by next summer to avoid losing him on a free transfer. Vidal's days in Munich seemed numbered. Heynckes, though, was never likely to give up hope on a player like Vidal, whom he had coached before at Leverkusen. In as fine a piece of man-management as you will see this season, Heynckes gave Vidal a sharp kick up the backside, berating him for his lack of fitness and mistake-ridden performances.
As Bayern have struggled with injuries in the last few weeks, the Chilean has stepped up to the plate. He now seems as valuable an asset as ever for the Bundesliga leaders. Yet he remains that: an asset, rather than an absolute necessity. It may still be that Bayern wish to cash in on Vidal next summer but the likelihood of Vidal seeking a back door exit from Bayern in the winter is now incredibly slim.
Image: Getty Images
Source: Daily Mail
