The Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern are expecting Antonio Conte to make a few major changes this summer…
Granted, the Blues are flying in the Premier League, but the Italian boss shouldn’t rest on his laurels.
The unstoppable, fast-flowing football of earlier in the season is slowing down somewhat – with the Blues strugglijng against Burnley over the weekend – and Antonio Conte must ensure that he is always looking to push his side forward.
January may just have ended, but it would be wise him for to already be looking towards the summer with one eye, with a few key transfer decisions on his hands.
Last summer, the Blues played it relatively safe – but our landlord thinks it might be time for the Blues to gamble. Chelsea have often relied upon proven talent that they know will get them results, but a few surprising moves could actually end up being best for business.
With that said, here are 5 transfer gambles Chelsea should take this summer…
Romelu Lukaku
On the surface, a move for Romelu Lukaku might not be considered a gamble. He is, after all, a proven Premier League goalscorer – but it isn’t that simple.
In Lukaku’s last run at Chelsea, he simply couldn’t do the business. Despite impressing on loan at West Brom, he looked poor in a Chelsea shirt, and that was the reason why he was eventually sold. What’s more, Chelsea – compared to Everton – are a huge club, and he may struggle to make the step up.
However, for Antonio Conte, the choice is obvious. A deal to sign Lukaku would be a stroke of genius, because he offers something unique that could see Chelsea dominate the Premier League for years to come.
He is still young, and so even if he takes a while to adjust – a deal still makes sense.
Selling Diego Costa
It might just be time to sell Diego Costa.
He was touted with a move away in January, and since that point he hasn’t looked good enough.
Sure, he has proven his worth this season – but Conte really doesn’t need a player that doesn’t want to be there.
It would be a gamble as Chelsea have relied on his goals this year, but it just makes sense.
Holding on to Moses
Though Victor Moses is not a natural right-back, he has impressed this season. However, despite that, some in the Tavern reckon that Conte should sign a more natural player for the role in the summer.
Not doing so would certainly be a gamble, as the Nigerian may not perform well long-term, but Conte can only make judgements based on what he has seen.
Alvaro Morata
Alvaro Morata is another striker that Chelsea should look to gamble on this summer.
On paper, he doesn’t look particularly impressive. his goalscoring record is average, and he is struggling to get into Real Madrid’s first team.
However, the Spaniard was hugely inspirational at Juventus – and Antonio Conte might be the man to get the best out of him.
As a player, he is different to the likes of Romelu Lukaku as he is slight, technical and quick – and he could provide Conte with a real alternative. Certainly a risk, but a worthwhile one.
Selling Courtois
Selling Thibaut Courtois would be a huge gamble, but it might just be a deal that makes sense.
He is, arguably, one of Europe’s best – but he has rarely proven his worth in the Premier League. He has moments of brilliance, but has struggled at points – and so the huge transfer fee that he will likely carry could prove to be more worthwhile for Antonio Conte.
