After a strong start to the season under new manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have seriously dropped off in recent months.
Since 22nd December, the Blues have won just two Premier League games, suffering losses to Ipswich Town, Fulham and Manchester City, while drawing with Everton, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth.
This poor run of form has seen Maresca’s side slip from second in the league – just two points behind leaders Liverpool – to sixth place, with the possibility of European football next season now in serious doubt.
The cause of this decline is unclear, but from the outside, it seems to be a combination of factors: a squad filled mostly with young, inexperienced players, Maresca’s struggle to manage an over-inflated squad that has become harder to control as the weeks go by, and a lack of quality in key positions.
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In goal, for instance, Robert Sanchez has been the most error-prone ‘keeper in the Premier League this season, seemingly costing Chelsea points week after week.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the pitch, Nicolas Jackson’s goals have dried up and Christopher Nkunku often looks aloof, with his mind seemingly elsewhere during his cameo appearances in the top flight.
While little business was done in January, Maresca will no doubt be hoping to use the summer to reassess his squad and bring in fresh talent capable of meeting his expectations and delivering for the Stamford Bridge faithful.
With that in mind, here are five players we believe Chelsea should target in the summer.
1 Alessandro Bastoni Inter
Chelsea currently have no fewer than eight centre-backs in their squad, but aside from the injured Wesley Fofana, none has fully convinced this season.
To complement Fofana’s pace, power and relentless attitude, the Blues need to pair him with a composed, ball-playing defender who can help steady the ship. Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni is arguably the best example of such a player in Europe today.
A superb passer and astute dribbler, the Italian is as composed as they come when it comes to playing the ball out from the back. Standing at 6 foot 3, he’s also a physical presence, capable of winning the ball cleanly in the air and on the ground.
While he would be a dream and a sensible acquisition, Bastoni is currently tied to Inter until 2028, so he may require a big-money bid.
Chelsea certainly have the financial muscle to make such a splash, and with his fellow countryman Maresca at the helm, a connection with the manager could help persuade him to test his luck in a new league.
2 Johan Bakayoko PSV Eindhoven
With the exception of the excellent Jadon Sancho, Chelsea’s wingers have been underwhelming this season. Pedro Neto has scored just twice in the Premier League, while despite netting seven goals, Noni Madueke has frustrated Maresca and Chelsea fans with lacklustre performances, selfishness in the final third and an inability to track back.
Mykhailo Mudryk, meanwhile, remains suspended after failing a drugs test.
To address their issues on the right wing, the Blues should target Madueke’s former PSV Eindhoven teammate, Johan Bakayoko.
The Dutchman scored 14 goals and registered 14 assists for PSV last season, earning multiple individual honours.
He’s continued his impressive form this season with nine goals and three assists, and has stood out with his tight control, footballing intelligence and ability to score with both feet – qualities he showcased in spectacular fashion when he netted against Liverpool in the Champions League.
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In addition to strengthening their options at centre-back and right-back, Chelsea also need more depth at left-back. Marc Cucurella has been solid so far this term, but he can’t be expected to play every match, while Malo Gusto is unable to operate on that flank.
Moreover, young Renato Veiga has now left for Juventus for the rest of the campaign, and Ben Chilwell has moved to Crystal Palace. Therefore, someone new may be being lined up for the summer.
A standout acquisition here, at least in our view, would be Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez. One of the standout defenders in the Premier League this season, the Hungarian has been defensively solid and dynamic going forward.
His all-around game was on full display during a man-of-the-match performance in a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in November. Kerkez contributed both assists for Bournemouth on the day, along with three clearances, two ball recoveries and an interception.
4 Diogo Costa Porto
Chelsea’s need for a new goalkeeper is perhaps their most pressing issue, with Robert Sanchez having already made five errors leading to goals in the Premier League this season.
Porto’s Diogo Costa would be a definite upgrade, and at 25 years old, he is a player who could be the Blues’ No 1 for many years to come.
Costa has been one of Europe’s most reliable goalkeepers in recent years, recording 78 clean sheets in 183 appearances for Porto, including 11 in 20 league games this season.
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Chelsea have long been searching for a successor to the legendary Didier Drogba, who tormented Premier League defences with his power, skill and an unrivalled ability to perform when it mattered most at Stamford Bridge.
While Nicolas Jackson’s link-up play might even surpass Drogba’s, his lack of clinical finishing is becoming a growing concern, with the Senegalese striker often costing the Blues valuable points.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface not only fits the Drogba mould – big, strong, dominant in the air, and surprisingly deft for his size – but he is also far more ruthless in front of goal than Jackson.
Since the start of last season, the Nigerian has scored 30 goals, averaging a goal every 103 minutes, while Jackson has found the net 26 times, with a goal every 204 minutes.
