Man City Star In, 3 Top Targets Linked – The Story Of Chelsea’s Transfer Window So Far And The Future

Chelsea’s Transfer Window – The Story So Far And What More Should They Do

Out of all top teams, defending champions Chelsea have probably been slowest off the mark in the transfer market, with just lots of rumours but no concrete deal except the signing of deputy keeper Willy Caballero for free after the expiry of his Manchester City contract. Having being linked with Romelu Lukaku, Tiemoue Bakayoko, and more recently Antonio Rudiger, Chelsea are yet to confirm any deals mainly due to their much-awaited kit release that happened on the 1^st of July. Now with the new Nike kit, Chelsea would hopefully confirm the much-awaited signings.

Last season saw the advent of the ‘three at the back’ in the Premier League, pioneered by Antonio Conte, as he employed his preferred tactics that led Chelsea to the title. A different tactic meant that Chelsea needed wingbacks. The right was covered by Victor Moses, and Marcos Alonso was recruited for the left wing, owing to a lack of depth. For the attack, Belgian Michy Batshuayi was brought in to cover for Diego Costa.

The defence saw some changes too, with Azpilicueta being used centrally in the back-3. With the return of the much loved David Luiz, John Terry saw his playing time being cut down, before deciding to move on from Chelsea at the end of the season. Kurt Zouma, injured for most of 2016 due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, eventually made his return in the New Year.

Leicester’s hero N’Golo Kante partnered with Matic in the central midfield and was arguably Chelsea’s best player of the season. Cesc Fabregas was utilised as an alternative and delivered solid performances. Newly promoted Nathaniel Chalobah got a few chances towards the end of the season.

Chelsea’s squad was almost balanced last season; but it was just the first team and not the bench. Their over reliance on first choice wingbacks Alonso and Moses saw them stutter when either one of them was absent.

The only transfer to come in has been a free transfer of Caballero. So the impatience of Chelsea fans is understandable. Expecting some additions at the wingback role, Chelsea have been heavily linked with Alex Sandro. Tiemoue Bakayoko’s arrival would mostly signal the end of Matic’s second stint at Chelsea. But the major drama seems to be the much-debated controversy with Diego Costa being asked to leave by Conte. So Diego Costa is already pushing for a transfer.

The sale of Nathan Ake for a surprising £20million was unexpected, even more so with Chelsea looking to bring in Antonio Rudiger from Roma. Andreas Christesen who has established himself as one of the world’s top young talents in the defence, with two great seasons at Monchengladbach, is staying, with Kurt Zouma above him in the pecking order.

A couple of changes to the Chelsea main team, along with a handful of additions to the bench could be the new look Chelsea for the 2017/18 season that would challenge on all four fronts.