Chelsea are headed in the right direction, but they still need a few more steps.
In a season that has seen the introduction of many youngsters into the first team, Chelsea and manager Frank Lampard have an exciting future ahead of them.
It has always been a long-term project with Lampard, with a view to a potential title challenge in the next 2-3 years, but now he and club owner Roman Abramovich are looking to move up their timeline by making waves in the transfer market.
Having already signed Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, the Chelsea attack is very likely settled for next season. However, areas of concern remain that could derail a push for the Premier League title.
The defence is yet to be sorted, with all of the Blues’ centre-backs struggling this season and the left-back position having to be covered by a natural right-back, Cesar Azpilicueta.
Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has not instilled confidence in Lampard, either, and has certainly not repaid his massive price tag which made him the most expensive keeper of all time.
This season, Kepa has the lowest save percentage in the entire league, so it would do Chelsea the world of good to move him on in the summer for a more dependable shot-stopper.
The creative midfield position has also been an issue this season, with Lampard’s side struggling to break down low blocks and stubborn defences. Although Ziyech will help with that on the wing, help is needed in the center of the park as well.
Here are some players who would instantly transform the team.
1. Kalidou Koulibaly
Without question, the type of player that Chelsea have lacked the most this season has been a dominant, reliable centre-back. This has always been a fixture of title-winning teams at Stamford Bridge.
For many years, that man was John Terry, the best defender to ever play for the club. After he retired, Gary Cahill assumed that role, and during the most recent title win, the 2016/17 season, it was David Luiz (in a back three) who became that man.
It was assumed that after Luiz left under mysterious circumstances to Arsenal, Antonio Rudiger would be the one to step up and lead the defence. But that has not been the case this season.
Of course, it didn’t help that he was injured for a few months, but even upon his return to full fitness after the restart, he has not impressed.
He was humiliated by Andriy Yarmolenko during West Ham United’s last-minute winner which cost the Blues key points in the top-four race, and he essentially gave David McGoldrick an assist for one of Sheffield United’s goals with an awful clearance.
With his future now uncertain, it only boosts the need for Kalidou Koulibaly. The Senegalese international is everything that Chelsea lack in defence, and is a huge upgrade on any of the defenders currently at the club.
He could be Lampard’s Virgil Van Dijk, who has earned so many plaudits the past few seasons for being the rock at the back that has allowed Liverpool to succeed. Without his contributions, they would have a much weaker team.
By signing a player like Koulibaly from Napoli, who is dependable, dominant, strong, and decently fast, the Blues can finally put their defensive issues to rest and have a solid foundation to work with at the back.
A consistent centre-back is invaluable for any side, particularly one that wants to mount a title challenge, so even though the fee would be hefty, this is a move that Abramovich should be happy to fund.