Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern have been quickly brought back down to Earth following their FA Cup final defeat at the hands of Arsenal last weekend.

Of course, the double would have topped off the Blues’ title-winning season. Still, our landlord still believes that Antonio Conte should be very happy with how his first season at Stamford Bridge has panned out, especially given the shambles of the previous season at the club. The Blues fans in the bar echo this view and there is no doubt that the Italian boss is now a fans favourite.

Our landlord has had further thoughts on Chelsea and what he feels they need to do in order to take their side up a notch. He has concluded that the club cannot afford to be lax in the transfer market, especially after what happened the season after the last time Chelsea lifted the Premier League.

In order to prevent such events happening, the common suggestion in the Tavern is that Conte should act early in the market and give himself ample time to gel together an improved squad ready to defend their trophy next time around.

This has sparked mass debate in the Tavern and has led to many names being mentioned in regards to Chelsea.

Let’s take a look at the TWO players that our landlord feels Chelsea should make an early move for this summer…

Jerome Boateng

The arrival of Niklas Sule to Bayern Munich has surely left the door open for Jerome Boateng to depart Bayern Munich this summer and Chelsea may be the club to react quickest and secure the German international.

With alternative target, Virgil van Dijk, valued at a reported £50million by Southampton – a more experienced Boateng would surely cost a smaller amount and the Chelsea fans in the Tavern feel his Champions League experiences will bring a lot to Conte’s side.

With Chelsea already losing John Terry and doubts over the future of defenders such as Nathan Ake and Kurt Zouma, an early move for Boateng could well be a masterstroke by Chelsea.

Tiemoue Bakayoko

Perhaps one of the hottest prospects in Europe at the moment, Chelsea could well do with sealing the deal for Monaco’s Bakayoko before all the elite European clubs come pouring in for him.

Whilst Antonio Conte is said to be leading the hunt for the young Frenchman’s signature, the signing of Bakayoko could well put the Blues a step ahead of their clubs in the planning for next season – especially in regards to building a squad.

Our landlord agrees with this view but he notes that Bakayoko joining could lead to an exit for Cesc Fabregas, something he believes to be a major loss for the club.