Our Chelsea fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping for a better season next season than this one.

After winning the title last season, Chelsea have failed to regain the title with runaway leaders Man City looking likely to win it but, have faired a lot better than last time they won the Premier League under Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea are currently in the top-four but have had a string of poor results this year so far, after only winning two throughout January and the beginning of February. This has led to a lot of speculation around Antonio Conte’s future at the club, as Chelsea look to once again choose short-term success over long-term plans.

If the Blues are to mount a serious challenge on next season, they along with others, have to level up. Furthermore, it may be time to become a little more ruthless in their stance on players as they are with managers.

Our landlord takes a look at two players that need to be shipped out next season in order for the club to progress…

Gary Cahill

The club captain has taken on the role left by John Terry following the latter’s departure and many in our bar expected a seamless transition. Indeed, the English defender has won everything in the game and is largely experienced, though this season, he has looked far from the player he has been for Chelsea over the years.

Chelsea’s record without the skipper playing is miles better than with him in the team and our regulars feel it’s time for the former Bolton man to maybe move on as Chelsea look to replace him with a younger defender.

Tiemoue Bakayoko

The French midfielder has struggled it seems to adjust to life at Stamford Bridge this season following his summer move from Monaco, with his horror show at Watford largely summing up his career in west London thus far. Indeed, Bakayoko has recently been forced to bear the brunt of the Blues in the bar’s frustration and is starting to feel the pressure of such a volcano of a club in Chelsea.

If the remaining months of the season don’t pick up for the French international, then maybe it’s time he moved on and was replaced with more of an experienced midfielder in the Premier League.