Transfer targets for Chelsea’s biggest transfer window in club history

Midfield

After possessing the most dominant midfield in England and perhaps Europe in the 2014/15 season, the combination of Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas certainly did not live up to expectations last season.

For the first half of the season Fabregas seemed to drift out of games, giving the ball away and being exposed defensively. Matic, who became in my eyes the best holding midfielder in the world a year ago, also became soft and began getting beaten to 50/50 balls he would have devoured the previous season.

Although Fabregas slowly found his old self at the turn of the new year, his performances were still under par and as a result of this, Conte and Abramovich will have to decide who they need to bring in to revitalise our midfield.

Dream: Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba is the dream signing of any club in world football. He is regarded by many as the best midfielder in the world, possessing skill (both attacking and defensive), athleticism and undoubted potential, all at the mere age of just 23.

Some believe that Pogba will be the most expensive transfer in history, with Juventus reportedly seeking at least £100 million for the French international, but for someone who will be the cornerstone of the Chelsea team for the next 10 years, I feel he would be a great purchase.

It isn’t as easy as that, though, as Pogba would probably not want to join a team without Europe, but with the persuasion of Antonio Conte and the funds available by Abramovich, Chelsea fans can dream… Please?

Realistic: Arturo Vidal

Antonio Conte and Arturo Vidal are great friends, with mutual respect of the highest order being shown by both of them. The 28-year-old midfielder is still close to the coach he worked with at Juventus between 2011-2014, so much so that Conte once said: “If I ever go to war I’d take Vidal with me.”

Vidal responded with “I have also said if I go to war I would take Conte with me.”

Conte loves to play with 2 strong box-to-box midfielders, who can defend, pass and shoot. Vidal fits all of these characteristics and would provide a shield for Fabregas who could quarterback the attack.

Vidal is also experiencing slight unrest at his current club, Bayern Munich. Since joining last window from Juventus for a fee of £29 million, Vidal had been in and out the team and was shown to be technically incapable of playing under Pep Guardiola, who wants his midfielders to be great passers of the ball.

Although Vidal is an over-adequate passer, he did not have the ability of players like Thiago and Xabi Alonso. Due to the change of managers at the club, though, new coach Ancelotti may take a liking to Vidal and he could become a vital point of Bayern’s midfield.

Youth: Lewis Baker

After numerous disappointing seasons from Chelsea’s number 10 Oscar, it wouldn’t surprise me if Conte ships him on to Italian champions Juventus, who are continually linked with the Brazilian.

If this happens, Chelsea will need someone to fill this role and youngster Lewis Baker could be a perfect fit for Conte’s system. Two years ago, Chelsea reportedly turned down the chance to sign Dele Alli, believing Baker would be a better option.

Although I am sure this can still be the case, at the moment Alli is starting for Tottenham and England in Euro 2016 whilst Baker had been out on loan at

Chelsea B

Vitesse. Baker has had minimal chances for the Chelsea first team, but he earned himself top scorer in the Toulon Tournament, netting 4 times and being a vital part in the England team that won it.

This shows that he still has enormous talent and he could become an important squad member for Conte next season.

Next: Attack