Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern are hoping for some transfer deals now their managerial situation seems to be concluding.
Antonio Conte’s future was plunged into doubt following a miserable season in the Premier League with the Blues finishing fifth; missing out on Champions League football. Winning the FA Cup was seemingly not enough for Roman Abramovich who has lined up ex-Napoli boss, Maurizio Sarri, as Conte’s successor. Speculation is mounting that Sarri will be confirmed as the new Chelsea boss in the coming days.
Sarri will have a massive task on his hands to revamp the Chelsea squad. The Blues failed to improve their team after winning the title last season, spending too much money on mediocre talent. Better signings need to be made if they are to catch Manchester City next year.
If the Italian is appointed, he would be wise to raid former club Napoli for their star players. One man who would improve the Chelsea squad is Belgian forward – Dries Mertens. Valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, the 31-year-old was a key part of their title bid, scoring 18 goals and creating six in the Serie A. He added a further four goals and two assists in the Champions League and made a goalscoring start to his World Cup campaign sensationally against Panama.
The Blues could have landed his services for just £25m earlier this month, but the release clause in his contract expired on June 15. Nevertheless, Chelsea would be wise to stump up what Napoli ask and allow Mertens to flourish alongside international team-mate Eden Hazard.
Chelsea fans, thoughts?
