Chelsea have endured another difficult season, with multiple managerial changes and a continued struggle to find consistency in their performances.
The Blues started the campaign with Enzo Maresca, who was replaced by Liam Rosenior in January, but the former Strasbourg manager also failed to get the squad back on track, which ultimately led to his dismissal and the appointment of interim manager Calum McFarlane.
Despite reaching the FA Cup final, Chelsea failed to lift the domestic trophy against Manchester City and have also missed out on Champions League football for next season.
A silver lining from an otherwise shambolic campaign comes in the form of the club’s latest managerial appointment, with former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso signing a four-year deal to help Chelsea regain their dominance in both the Premier League and European competition.
With the managerial situation now resolved, the focus for the Blues will turn towards improving the squad and ensuring they have a productive transfer window this summer.
Chelsea are renowned for a strict transfer policy that prioritises signing young talent with high potential, and this summer they are reportedly eyeing another opportunity to recruit a teenage sensation.
According to The Daily Mail, Chelsea have joined the race to sign AFC Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi.
The report claims that the Cherries are currently adamant their teenage talent is not for sale this summer, although several clubs are expected to test their resolve.
Premier League champions Arsenal are also listed as an interested party, with both London clubs closely monitoring the forward’s situation ahead of the transfer window.
It is reported elsewhere that Kroupi is valued at around £60m.
Should Chelsea sign Kroupi?
There is no doubt that Chelsea need to improve their attacking threat this summer, having struggled to consistently kill games off with their current forward options.
In the Premier League, only Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez have reached double figures for goals, with the latter achieving that tally from midfield, while Cole Palmer has scored just nine and Pedro Neto only five.
Adding a reliable attacking presence could significantly improve Chelsea’s competitiveness domestically and in Europe, especially if they can snatch a Europa League place from Brighton & Hove Albion on the final day of the season.
Over 34 appearances this season, Kroupi – once hailed as a “complete player” by Andoni Iraola – has scored 13 goals, an impressive return for a 19-year-old talent, with only Pedro netting more goals than him within the current Chelsea squad.
The talented Frenchman still has plenty of time to refine his game and further develop his ability in front of goal, while the opportunity to work under Alonso in West London could prove to be an attractive next step in his career.
With that in mind, this summer presents Chelsea with the opportunity for a complete reset under Alonso.
Backing the Spaniard with the right signings will be crucial if the Blues are to rebuild their identity, return to competing for major honours, and restore Stamford Bridge to the level expected of one of England’s elite clubs.
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