Since our title winning season of 2017 under Antonio Conte, the Blues have failed to challenge for the Premier League title. Wrong transfer decisions, a transfer ban and the loss of Eden Hazard this summer has meant we have been unable to win another Premier League title since 2017. The Blues can finally challenge for the title next season if we make the right decisions in the transfer market in the summer.
Here are 5 players Chelsea should replace in the summer if we must challenge for the title next season:
1. Kepa Arrizabalaga: Following the departure of Thibaut Courtois to Real Madrid, Chelsea signed Kepa Arrizabalaga for a world record transfer fee but the Spaniard has struggled to justify the huge amount spent on his transfer. Arrizabalaga has failed to reach the heights of Chelsea’s last two goalkeepers, Courtois and Petr Cech. Arrizabalaga has the worst save record in the Premier League and a lack of command in and around the box has been a big issue for the Spaniard.
You can’t win titles without a good goalkeeper and the Blues must make a decision on the Spaniard this summer if we must challenge for the title next season. Liverpool’s signing of Allison has shown how a world class goalkeeper can help a team.
2. Marcos Alonso or Emerson: Chelsea need to sell either Marcos Alonso or Emerson and sign a world class left-back during the summer. Both left-backs have been inconsistent this season and the Blues must sign a quality left-back in the summer. Liverpool fullbacks have shown how a team can be effective offensively with quality fullbacks and the Blues must spend big on a quality fullback either now or in the summer.
3. Olivier Giroud: The Frenchman is set to leave the club this January and the Blues must ensure a world class striker is signed to replace the France international. The Blues must sign an experienced striker to challenge Tammy Abraham.
4. Pedro: Pedro has rarely played this season and the Spaniard is expected to leave at the end of the season. The Blues must sign a world class winger that can score and create goals to replace Pedro. Willian, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Christian Pulisic haven’t scored enough from wide areas this season. We need a winger like Eden Hazard that can score and also create goals.
5. Ross Barkley: The England international is a talented footballer but he is too inconsistent to be a Chelsea player. The Blues must accept the signing of Barkley hasn’t worked out well for the club and sign a quality midfielder this summer.