The summer transfer window is around the corner and media briefings have set the expectations high for Chelsea fans. Deals are already in place to bring in Geovany Quenda, Dastan Satpaev, Emmanuel Emegha and Valentin Barco to join the club. But beyond that, it has been suggested that the club will look for proven and experienced talents.
That would mean players who have the experience of one of the top five leagues and also know how to deal with a stressful schedule that comes with European football. While that won’t be necessary next season, Chelsea seem to be thinking long-term, which is the right way to go about things.
The suggestion is that Chelsea will look for two or three ready-made players. Those who can come in and immediately challenge for starting XI spots.
While that still leaves a wide pool of talent available, now we know which three positions the club will be targeting this summer. According to journalist Rodra, Chelsea are looking for a centre-back, a 6/8, and a winger.
Three positions where Chelsea want to strengthen named
All of those positions make sense for Chelsea’s current situation. Their most urgent need has to be signing a centre-back, having overlooked it last summer and paid the price for it. This season could have turned out differently, if they had listened to Enzo Maresca and brought in another central defender.
Chelsea could find themselves in need of help in midfield as well. Enzo Fernandez seems to be actively seeking a move away this summer. Andrey Santos has not really been impressive since returning from Strasbourg. The Brazilian has been linked with a potential exit already. And then there is Romeo Lavia, who continues to be constantly injured.
Finally, there is the winger problem, one Chelsea have not been able to solve for years. Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens last summer, and neither did much of note. Pedro Neto could potentially be on the way out as well.
So, all of those are positions where Chelsea might need to strengthen this summer. Will they be successful in meeting that goal? That is the two-billion-dollar question here.
Players the club have been linked with
Despite all that talk about signing proven and experienced players, Chelsea did not make much of an attempt to sign Ibrahima Konate as a free agent this summer. That sends a worrying message to the fans.
There are other centre-backs the club have been linked with though. Jan Paul van Hecke of Brighton & Hove Albion and Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace are two of them. If you look outside of England, Jacobo Ramon of Como FC could be a potential target.
One would imagine other targets have not come out in the media yet. I recently discussed the potential of Dean Huijsen being included in a possible Enzo Fernandez deal to Real Madrid.
In terms of midfielders, not so many have been brought up. Alex Scott comes to mind. But would he be the solution right now or another project signing? Adam Wharton’s name is getting a ton of attention as well.
Then there are the winger ranks. Rafael Leao and Jarrod Bowen might be the top two options in that area of the pitch.
