The future is uncertain for everyone, but this adage couldn’t be truer for Chelsea football club. With owner Roman Abramovic in the process of selling the club, the West London side are currently sitting in the dark over what is going to happen next. Transfers coming in to the club are surely not the boards number one priority right now, but moves will need to be made in the summer in order for the Blues to be able to challenge for titles amongst the worlds elite clubs.
At time of writing we are already hearing that oil rich club Manchester City are in the final stages of a deal that will look to bring Norwegian wonder kid Erling Haaland to the Etihad. Considering the Mancs dominance over the past decade, none of the chasing pack can afford to lose ground on their rivals.
Teams such as Liverpool and the aforementioned City will surely continue their reign of dominance in England but sleeping giants Manchester United and Arsenal can’t stay down for long and will most likely strengthen their already promising squads into title challengers. Therefore the West London side need to add to their roster and bolster their chances of competing in a long and arduous season. This year injuries have cost Thomas Tuche’s side. Sidelined players such as Ben Chilwell and Reece James have been huge misses throughout the year, and a prominent December dip saw Chelsea drop from the top of the table down into a dog fight for Europe. And the board and likely new owners, can’t afford for something like that to happen again. The current European champions have been in a battle for top 4 for the past 3 seasons, and some good signings will surely help elevate their play to title challenging levels.
But we must not be remiss from the fact that the Blues have spent more than most in the previous two summers since their infamous transfer ban. In 2020, then manager Frank Lampard spent over £200 million on signings and during the most recent summer window, the cheque book was opened once more for record signing Romelu Lukaku.
So today we are going to look at 5 players that the new owners could sign in order to improve Chelsea football club. I’m picking players based off of positional need and also their fit in to the club. Also, to avoid writing a boring and stale article, I’m not going to include players such as Declan Rice, who have had their names linked to Chelsea for what seems a decade. This will also add some variety and hopefully some insight into some less familiar players. I will also be noting the importance of the players position that needs filling. For example, the team sorely needs a holding midfielder, therefore it’s a priority. But I don’t see Thomas Tuchel being in the market for a striker. So let’s begin!
Joško Gvardiol- Centre back (high priority), RB Leipzig
Joško Gvardiol has emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s brightest young defending talents this season. He has played 28 times in the league, helping Leipzig to a current 3rd place position and the second best defensive record in the division. At just 20 years of age, he’s already shown that he is instrumental to his club side, and has also earned himself 10 caps for his international side Croatia.
Gvardiol is a perfect modern day defender who is comfortable on the ball and is athletic enough to play in a high line. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet and can play accurate balls out from the back. He is also assured enough to dribble past players should he find himself in a tight spot. The Croat also works tirelessly and doesn’t shirk from his more traditional responsibilities. He makes over 2 tackles per game, and his in match IQ is often on display as he makes over 5.4 interceptions and clearances per 90.
He would fit perfectly in Thomas Tuchel’s side, playing either on the right or left of the back three. Yet he is assured on the ball enough that he could fill in for veteran Thiago Silva when needed. It’s widely reported that defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen will likely be departing Stamford Bridge in the summer, and fellow team mate Antonio Rüdiger’s contract situation is still up in the air, so there will be holes in the squad that need filling. And Gvardiol is astute enough of a signing to make a big impact. Even though he’s only 20 years of age, he has the quality to start in the side off the bat and he will likely only get better. He has the pace and physicality to handle Premier League attackers, but has enough know how to play in a possession based side like Tuchel’s. It’s a match made in heaven for me, and the Blue may be able to pick him up for as little as £40million. Train him up alongside youngsters such as Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill and they could potnetially have their back line sorted for the next decade.
Aurélien Tchouaméni- Holding Midfielder (high priority) Monaco
For two seasons now, Tchouameni has been a main stay in the Monaco midfield. At just 22 years of age, the French international has shown he has all he tools and attributes to be a dominant force for any team across Europe. Developing his trade alongside established players such as Cesc Fàbregas and Aleksandr Golovin, he’s developed into a real top talent. Monaco have had their struggles in previous seasons but it could have been much worse, were it not for Tchouameni.
The youngster is an anchor in midfield who has great technique and athleticism that allows him to shield his defence. His defensive numbers are outstanding, and during his 28 Ligue Un appearances this seasons, he’s averaged 5.3 tackles and interceptions a game. His game awareness is elite for his age and is rarely caught out, out of position. Watching him regularly , he’s often in the right areas to make a play on the ball. along with his defensive qualities, he is also cool, calm and collected on the ball. Teammate Cesc Fàbregas, who in his own right is one of the best passers of the ball in this generation saïd Aurélien is one of the best passers in the Monaco squad. This statement is backed up by his 87% pass accuracy. However, he doesn’t just play the safe passes, and is adept at getting the ball down the field with defence splitting passes. During this league campaign he averages 3.2 long balls a game, which demonstrates his abilities on both sides of the ball. Though most holding midfielders don’t receive the plaudits they deserve due to their steady, but not flashy play, Tchouameni has been highly touted due to his impact week in week out. The midfielder has been rewarded with 4 man of the match awards this term, which is in the top percentile for his position.
As for where he fits in for Chelsea, it’s quite apparent. Though the Blues are blessed with a wealth of midfield talent, they are lacking a true holding midfielder who can do all the defensive work while the others focus more on creating. Kovacic is a good all round player, but can’t be relied upon to do a majority of the defensive work. Whereas Jorginho doesn’t have the physical attributes to be a lone holding midfielder. As for Ngolo Kante, he plays best a bit further forward, carrying the ball through the spaces in midfield. Adding Tchouameni into Tuchel’s modified would allow him to play more expansive football and possibly revert to a back four formation, due to Aurelien’s screening ability. One thing to note though is he youngster isn’t the second coming of Claude Makalele, he is great defensively but will likely play a larger role in build up play. He may cost a lot to bring in, but what he offers makes it totally worth it.
Ousmane Dembélé- Winger (medium priority) Barcelona
The first thin to point out is Dembélé’s injury record. Since joining Barcelona for over £100million back in 2017, he’s spent a large majority of his time on the medical table. And moving to Chelsea won’t necessarily alter the trend. However, should he make the move and stay (at least somewhat) healthy, then the Blues will be laughing all their way to silverware. At his best Ousmane is one of the most electric wingers on the planet and can do everything with the ball at his feet. In a little over 1000 La Liga minutes this season, the French international has contributed with 1 goal and 11 assists. That’s roughly a goal contribution a game, which is elite. Its not only his goal contributions that have helped him stand out in Xavi’s team. In the 15 games he’s appeared in, he’s received 4 man of the match awards and played at an average ‘whoscored’ rating of 7.73 which is amongst the best in the world.
Where Dembélé sets himself out from the others is his ability to play with both feet. Even during an interview, he himself got confused over which is his stronger foot. This ability allows him to be dynamic with the ball at his feet. He can turn defenders inside out and they’ll have no indication of whether he’ll cut inside or go out. His dribbling numbers are top tier, with the 24 year old completing 14.66 progressive carries a game, which is the 99.99%Ikem of players amongst his position. Or to put it another way, he’s at the top. His creative numbers speak for themselves, considering he has 11 assists this season, but he can also score the goals himself. Just put on one of his highlight tapes from YouTube and you’ll see he can score from anywhere. Whether that be a long ranged screamer, a curler from outside the box, or a clinical tap in inside the penalty area. He’s even scored in the Champions League against Chelsea.
But should he stay fit, and that’s a big IF, then he’ll excel. At just 24 he still has a long career ahead of him, which is somewhat surprising considering he’s played top level football for the past 6 years. He’s played in some of the biggest games, for the biggest clubs and under the biggest managers. So it shows that he has the experience and know how to get it done. He’s even played under Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund, where he had arguably the best season of his career. This may spur him on to once again play for the German manager. And he would fit very well in the system. What Chelsea lack is a winger that can run at defenders and cause problems. They also need one that can contribute to goals. None of the current attacking players can do that consistently. Hakim Ziyech is a wonderful creative player, but he’s too hot and cold. Whereas American Christian Pulisic has seen his form dip drastically, and he doesn’t contribute enough in front of goal. That’s where someone like Dembélé differs. And arguably the biggest reason to bring in the youngster is that he’ll be free. His contract expires at the Nou Camp in the summer and so far there is no sign of a contract renewal. So the new owners may be able to bring in an impact player for only the cost of an agent fee (and probably astronomical wages…). But the value is there, and Ousmane genuinely has he ability to be a top 10 player in the world. Not bad for a free transfer eh?!
Kyle Walker-Peters- wingback (medium priority) Southampton
The form Chelsea displayed throughout December after injuries to both fullbacks Reece James and Ben Chilwell occurred was catastrophic. The scoring output of the team was affected and their defence looked far more shaky. So it’s abundantly clear that they need to bring someone in who can deputise either flank when there is an injury, or even just for rotation. Current wingback Marcos Alonso has shown he can play down the left but lacks real defensive awareness to be the answers to Chelsea’s problems in the future. As for club captain Cesar Azpilicueta, he appears to clueless going forward and is likely to depart in the summer regardless.
That’s where Walker-Peters steps in. At 25 years of age, he’s finally had a real breakout season for Southampton, where he’s shown off his capabilities on both sides of the ball. Saints manager Ralph Hasenhüttl plays a very pragmatic brand of football which doesn’t particuarly allow for his players to go off script and shine, but the former Spurs fullback has demonstrated a very high level of play alongside English teammate Tino Livramento. Kyle has averaged a ‘whoscored’ rating of 6.93 this term, along with 3 man of the match performances, which has shown that he is capable of performing even when his teammates form has dipped. The youngster excels in his defensive responsibilities and is consistent in his one on one defending. He has great concentration considering his age and rarely gives away fouls in dangerous areas, and is astute enough to win the ball back against some of the top ball carriers in the division. He has also shown great recovery pace, which is important because it would mean he can cover for his centre backs when balls are played over the Blues high defensive line. One he gets the ball in the home third of the pitch he is very comfortable on the ball. He can carry the ball out with his feet but is also accurate with long ranged passes and crosses. He plays somewhat like a smaller Marcos Alonso, who is more athletically gifted but doesn’t quite have the same delivery or goal scoring threat.
Another attribute that will see him sought after by Thomas Tuchel is his ability to play on numerous positions. He can patrol both the left and right hand side of the field at a solid level. He’s been traditionally deployed as a right back by trade but this current season, he’s seen a majority of his minutes played out on the left flank. He’s seen his performances rise in recent months and has played at a much higher level, averaging a 7.16, which is the highest average rating amongst the entire Saints squad during that time. Should the West London club look to make a move for the young Englishman, it would be an savvy piece of business for the new owners. He can deputise either side when needed, and the style of play the team hope to deploy won’t be heavily impacted. I imagine Walker-Peters won’t be too worried about playing in a rotational role (especially if Chelsea are playing Champions League football), and if he can be snagged for as little as £20million, it needs to be done!
Fraser Forster- Goalkeeper (low priority) Southampton
The Blues look to go back to the Saints well for this transfer. Fraser Forster has had somewhat of a career resurgence these past few weeks and has shown that he can still be a number one for some Premier Legaue teams. His fine performance against Arsenal the other week just showed how much the 34 year old still has in the tank. A mountain of a man, Forster covers the goal with his enormous size and has reflexes, quick enough to make some truly spectacular saves. Unfortunately for the Saint, his contract is due to expire in the summer and his eyes could be set on a move away should the offer be lucrative enough. The Saints will likely be looking to bring the shot stopper back on a reasonable contract, but money talks in the football business, and a backup role at Stamford Bridge may be more appealing to the 6 time capped England international.
But why would the Blues want to add a player like Fraser Forster when they have £70million man Kepa Arrizabalaga on the bench? Well the answer is quite obvious, and that’s money. The owners won’t want to keep a player on the bench who is earning £150k a week and they need to offload him. Whether that be a transfer away, in which the Blues make a massive loss. Or they try and subside his wages by sending him out on loan. Regardless, at 26 Kepa will be wanting to play consistently to help his career, but he won’t find minutes playing behind Mendy at Chelsea. Forster might be different though. He may be willing to sit on the bench and earn more than he did with the Saints, whilst also getting the occasional cup game or even play as a stand in, should Édouard Mendy suffer an injury. His style of play doesn’t exactly replicate how Thomas Tuchel wants to play however. He’s very much a safety first keeper who won’t look to pick out his players in tight situations, but you won’t find many better shot stoppers on such a reasonable price. So the deal is at least something worth thinking about for the board this summer.
Forgotten Footballers 