Chelsea transfer targets to prevent a repeat of Manchester United loss

With Manchester United exposing wide cracks in the Chelsea machine, let’s analyse the deficiencies and potential transfer targets.

The Chelsea board and Antonio Conte thoroughly analyze the loss to Manchester United. They must figure out exactly what went wrong, and how to prevent it from happening again in the future.

One clear issue was the lack of depth certain positions. In recent weeks, the loss of wing-backs through injury has shown how patch-work the backups are, but they are not the only positions to have exposed cracks.

Positions that on paper have the depth and quality are proving deficient. Conte and the board will likely trim some fat from the squad in the summer. Quality replacements and positional reinforcement are just as important to win silverware next season.

Here is a list, by position, of the strengths, weaknesses and targets the club has already been linked to that can take Chelsea to the next level.

Goalkeeper

This one is simple: hold on to Thibaut Courtois at all costs. Courtois has improved this season to a point that he is easily one of the top three keepers in the world.

Unsurprisingly, clubs on the highest tier are continuously linked with him. However, it seems that he is finally content with staying at Chelsea. The club should give him no reason to leave.

His deputy needs to be replaced swiftly, though. Asmir Begovic is a fine goalkeeper and has served the club well. But he is ready to move on and back into a starting role, with Chelsea willing to grant him this request. Chelsea will still struggle to find a replacement of the same quality, but they must in case Courtois gets injured or suspended.