Whilst Antonio Conte is still away at Euro 2016, that hasn’t stopped the rumour mill from going into overdrive over who he might be bringing to Chelsea this summer.
A huge list of big names have been linked with the club, and whilst many of them seem unlikely; some may be destined to end up at Stamford Bridge.
Last season was a poor one for every man in Blue, and whilst some may lose their place in the Chelsea side going forward; it is essential that Conte realises the quality of the players he already has at his disposable.
With a mixture of new talent and (hopefully) reinvigorated stars; next season could be a very exciting one for the West London locals who frequent the Tavern.
Above any external signing this summer; it is essential that Chelsea hold on to
Thibaut Courtois
Above any external signing this summer; it is essential that Chelsea hold on to
the best young goalkeeper in world football.
The Belgian could mirror Petr Cech’s Blues career and stay between the sticks at the club for the best part of a decade; and there would be nobody better.
Chelsea sold their Munich hero Petr Cech to facilitate the rise of Thibaut Courtois, and it is time he repays the clubs faith and cements his Chelsea future.
DF– Branislav Ivanovic, Leonardo Bonucci, Kurt Zouma, Cesar Azpilicueta
Just a small change in the defence for the Blues.
Many fans would love to see the back off Branislav Ivanovic, but the reality is that there is nobody better that is currently available to take his place. Ivanovic has been an excellent servant to the club, and he at the very least has one more big year in the tank before getting moved on.
Cesar Azpilicueta has proven that he is one of the world’s best full backs, and should certainl retain his place on the left hand side of that Chelsea defence. Whilst he does not offer much going forward, Chelsea need to first and foremost regain their defensive composure; and there is no better player to begin that process than with Cesar Azpilicueta.
A fit again Kurt Zouma will definitely find his place again this Chelsea defense, and his game will improve tenfold if given the opportunity to play alongside his potential new central defensive partner.
Leonardo Bonucci has been linked with the club since the arrival of Antonio Conte, and it is easy to see why. A commanding no nonsense defender, he is perfect for the premier league and the perfect man to get Chelsea’s defence back on track.
With John Terry likely in his last year with the club; the classy Italian is the perfect replacement.
MF – Nemanja Matic, N’Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas
Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas must regain their places in the Chelsea first team, despite a poor outing throughout last year.
The previously stoic Serb in particular struggled under Hiddink, but fans must not forget the quality that he showed in the season prior; anchoring the Chelsea midfield on their way to the title.
On his day, there are few better in that engine room; and Chelsea need to give the 27-year old a chance to regain his form.
N’Golo Kante has been a target of Chelsea throughout the summer, and they need to pull the trigger on his signing.
One of the best defensive midfielder’s in world football right now, the 25-year old was perhaps the main reason that Leicester were able to hold back the top English sides last year; and he would fit in perfectly alongside Matic.
This would in turn allow Cesc Fabregas to push on and work to his strengths going forward; offering through balls up to his brand new number 9.
ST: Willian, Michy Batshuayi, Eden Hazard
Willian is of course the first name on this new look team sheet, having been Chelsea’s best player last season by a country mile.
Without his last minute goals the club would no doubt have been struggling near the bottom of the table battle relegation, and he has proven himself as one of the world’s best all round wingers. Offering excellent set pieces, a bottomless energy tank and all the technical ability in the world; Willian HAS to play.
Eden Hazard garnered a lot of justified criticism last year after a string of very poor performances. Fans in the Tavern expect better from the young Belgian, and he definitely expects better from himself. A new season means a fresh start for the attacker; and we expect him to be back to his best for it.
A new number 9 in the form of Michy Batshuayi has taken the spot of Diego Costa in the Chelsea first team. Undoubtebly, Diego Costa is one of the world’s best forwards, but his poor performances last year mean that someone else must be given the mantle.
Batshuayi is set to be signed by the club for a whopping £33 million, and with that sort of fee he wont be sitting on the bench. Expect him to go straight into the first team next season.
