After a pretty intense up-and-down season, Chelsea have finally reached the finish line and play their two final games this week.
A year ago we had a hectic summer ahead of us. At this stage, large sales and contracts are already guaranteed. But what will happen this summer?
We’d like to think that after this tumultuous first two years of ownership, with unprecedented turnover in terms of purchases and sales, it will be relatively quiet. And compared to last summer, that may be the case. But there’s still a lot of work to be done, and there’s plenty of room for fans to be eager for the team to improve.
Without a doubt, the priority is center forward. For all of Nicholas Jackson’s qualities and the way he has developed over the season, there is no doubt that at least an alternative is needed. It won’t be easy as there is huge competition for everything in the market.
Another area that Chelsea are clearly targeting is: center back. Thiago Silva leaves, which creates space at the back for more experienced players. Wesley Fofana could yet step into a major role again, but he can’t be relied upon to do so after three consecutive seasons out of the gate.
Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile are yet to be convinced as long-term options, so it is almost certain that a centre-back will be brought in at some point this summer.
I think goalkeeper also has potential. The two players brought in last summer failed to inspire confidence. The fact that we have invested in three players in the last four periods may mean that the sporting director is more inclined to prioritize other areas and give players time to develop.
Also on the agenda: back left. Despite Marc Cucurella’s recent reversal in his role, there is still a strong feeling that he is not up to par and that Ben Chilwell will never be reliable for a full season.
We have done a great job in finding Marlo Gusteau as a capable substitute for Reece James at right-back, and now we need an equal player at left-back.
Chelsea have been short on central midfielders again this season, but there are many hopes that Romeo Labia and Leslie Ugochukwu, who have missed most of this season, will provide much-needed depth next season.
