Chelsea fans here in the Transfer Tavern are wondering how their club look set to miss out on Everton striker Romelu Lukaku.

According to the BBC, Manchester United are closing in on the Belgian, but it had appeared for so long that the Blues were in pole position for his signature.

Chelsea’s centre-forward role is up for the taking.

Bertrand Traore has left the club in search of regular football at Lyon, while Diego Costa is edging closer to a return to Atletico Madrid.

It’s likely of a few more will be moving into Stamford Bridge as Antonio Conte looks to build a side capable of winning the Champions League.

Regardless of new signings, competition for places remains high.

Our landlord here in the Transfer Tavern has picked out TWO players the Chelsea boss must utilise as impact subs against Burnley on the opening day…

Willian

The workhorse Brazilian may just fall down the pecking order come the opening day.

Willian is a fantastic addition to the Chelsea team, and many punters here in the Tavern undervalue the Willian’s ability.

However, with the Blues expected to draft in some new talent, not to mention Pedro’s excellent end of season form, Willian will have to settle for the subs bench.

Cesc Fabregas

Chelsea are currently chasing Monaco midfielder Timeoue Bakayoko. 

The Frenchman has been linked with a £35million switch to Stamford Bridge all summer with Antonio Conte keen to bolster his options in the engine room.

N’Golo Kante’s remarkable previous two seasons has assured him a starting place and to team the two compatriots together could turn out to be the most devastating midfield partnership in recent history.

Unfortunately, it all means Cesc Fabregas is set to miss out, again.

The Spaniard who started just 13 league games last season will likely sit out once more for much of the season.