It’s been nine glory filled years for Chelsea and defender Branislav Ivanovic, but it seems their time together will come to an end before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
Branislav Ivanovic is something of a fan favorite at Chelsea, arriving from Lokomotiv Moscow for £10million during the January transfer window nine years ago.
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Since then it has mostly been a success story for the Serbian enforcer, winning two Premier League titles, three FA Cup titles, one League Cup, the Europa League and the UEFA Champions League.
He did miss the Champions League final in 2012 through suspension but got redemption in 2013 scoring the winning goal in the EUROPA League final to give the club the rare European double header.
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It is due to this incredible service, that Roman Abramovich is prepared to let the 32 year old leave to Zenit St Petersburg on a free despite still having five months remaining on his current contract.
Ivanovic is still a quality player, and despite only making eight appearances under Antonio Conte this season. The Italian manager switched to a three man backline in October, preferring to go with Gary Cahill, David Luiz and Cesar Azpilicueta.
Several Premier league clubs are interested in securing his signature including West Ham, Everton and Leicester City. But it is thought Ivanovic would rather move closer to his homeland and would see playing for another Premier League side as a step down and an insult to Chelsea fans.
Good news for Chelsea fans?
This news will be greeted with mixed reactions from fans, with some feeling there was still plenty the Serb could offer, but the majority will acknowledge that all good things come to an end and be grateful he is preserving his Chelsea legacy by leaving the Premier League.
Chelsea are enjoying a runaway first season under Conte, sitting eight points clear atop the table as the chasing pack battle it out for the remaining Champions League positions.
Letting Branislav Ivanovic go will stream line the defense and free up roughly £70,000 a week for Conte.
As Chelsea seen their bid for their main January target Franck Kessie turned down by Italian club Atalanta, Conte will be possibly looking to other avenues to bolster his squad if he wants to do it in the January window.
There is the option of Aturo Vidal, the Bayern Munich midfielder is a strong admirer of Antonio Conte and the two are believed to be still in contact following their time working together at Juventus.
The Chilean would cost Chelsea upwards of £56million, and would be a major coup. Arlene Wenger is a long time admirer of the player and would not be happy to see him join London rivals