This summer has seen a massive upheaval at Chelsea. However, in spite of all the seemingly unfavourable circumstances, there remain many reasons for fans to be positive heading into the Premier League opener.
Eden Hazard’s gone, the transfer ban is in effect and watching Chelsea’s top five rivals all strengthening their squads certainly leaves cause for concern. Faced with a potential season write-off under such overwhelming odds, fans could understandably be a little wary for the season. Not so fast. The reasons for optimism run deep around Stamford Bridge.
1. Effects of transfer ban are grossly overstated
The transfer ban has probably been the biggest damper on Chelsea’s prospects for the season. With names like Giovani Lo Celso, Paulo Dybala, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Nicolas Pepe floating around the transfer mill this window, fans have reason for dismay about the state of Chelsea’s rivals.
Of course, there’s never a good time for a transfer ban. Missing out on any window means the club miss out on players who could be of use. But the flip side of that is how Chelsea will re-enter the market next summer along with new big names available for signing. Next summer’s window will be about rebuilding rather than dwelling on missed opportunities of the previous two.
Yes, it may be unsettling to see rival teams strengthen across the pitch the season, but most of the players floating around the market this season are not players that Chelsea would look at or go for anyway. Players such as Joao Cancelo, Lo Celso and Dybala would only block the path to the first team for Chelsea’s current crop of highly promising youth prospects such as Reece James or Mason Mount. Moreover, players like Tanguy Ndombele, Rodri and Pepe would not be transfer targets given the players the Blues already have.
Consider, for example, Arsenal’s move for Pepe for £72 million. The question remains whether Chelsea would really need him. They would undoubtedly retain the services of Pedro and Willian for at least another season in addition to the arrival of Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi’s impending return from injury. Was Pepe really a “must-have” or a “good to have,” or even worth more than a second look if Chelsea could have acted?
Mason Mount and Ross Barkley are not (yet) better players than a Dybala or a Lo Celso. But in light of the transfer ban, Chelsea have a unique, one year opportunity to look from within to plug the gaps within the squad.
If these players turn out to not be the answers Chelsea or Frank Lampard are looking for, then next season’s window could still be a great opportunity to look for external alternatives.
Yes, clubs are strengthening this season but, with the appointment of Lampard, Chelsea already have the best possible manager to help the club tide over the current crisis. With his firm belief in giving the youth a chance, fans just have to trust that Lampard can bring the club to greater heights in the long run.
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