Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado swerves Chelsea questions

Cuadrado was asked specifically about the rumours surrounding his future amid interest from Chelsea and joked when questioned on whether he’d play this weekend against Roma.

“I am at the Coach’s disposal, but I don’t know if I’ll be picked yet!” he laughed.

“We need to prepare for this battle against a great team with such talented players, then see what happens.

“We hope to play our style and prove we too are a great side, as we have the players to challenge them face to face and get three points which would be very important for us.”

The winger spoke to Viola News while at a fashion event in Florence and was asked about converting a penalty in the 3-1 Coppa Italia win over Atalanta.

“Finally the coach put his faith in me to take the penalty and I hope he continues to do so!” laughed the Colombian on Viola News.

“I am happy with yesterday’s victory, we went on to the field with the hunger of a big team, wanted the three points and played our style of football.”

Mario Gomez also broke his drought with a brace and Cuadrado celebrated his teammate.

“We are all very happy for him, as he got back on the scoresheet and I think from now on the goals will start raining in. He’s a great champion who gives so much to the team.”

Do Chelsea really need the Colombian? Their current floating attacking trio of Eden Hazard, Oscar and Willian have impressed hugely this campaign and it’s hard to see Cuadrado displacing them, particularly in the short-term. However, his work-rate should appeal to Blues boss Jose Mourinho, who has been reluctant to field Andre Schurrle or Mohamed Salah.

Any deal would surely spell the end Schurrle and Salah’s Chelsea adventures. Both players are likely to be miffed by the reports given their lack of game time and it would be no surprise if the end result is one in, two out at Stamford Bridge.

Fiorentina want 35 million euros, his buyout clause after he renewed his contract a couple of months ago (until 2019, 3m euros a year). So, if Chelsea want him, they just have to make the right offer. That’s what I’m doubtful about. Does Mourinho really want him?

Fiorentina officially will try everything to keep him, but in the end they will be very happy to sell him for 35m euros. He is a very good player, fast and with good technique. But I think he is still lacking something to become a real top player (or a reliable player for big clubs like Chelsea).