Chelsea is moving things behind the scenes to prepare for next season. With extensions and transfer rumors, the plans are coming together.
The current unplanned break in play has given Chelsea plenty of time to sort out their transfer and squad building plans for next season. There are several spots that need rearranging, but the one with the clearest picture at the moment is the striker spot.
The Blues currently have Tammy Abraham, Michy Batshuayi, and Olivier Giroud at the club capable of playing the role. Abraham’s future and continued starting spot is near guaranteed. Batshuayi’s stop start but never really starting Chelsea career is surely at its end. That leaves Giroud’s situation and the rumors flying about.
First up is Giroud who had one foot in the plane when the January transfer window ended. Abraham’s injury likely changed things, but Giroud did return and show his worth for Frank Lampard. So much so that he is allegedly getting an extension clause in his contract activated.
This is primarily for Chelsea to cover all their bases. Now the Blues have a bargaining chip if any club wants to come in for Giroud. Furthermore, if any other plans fall through, they can still stick with Giroud for another season. It may not be ideal for the player, especially with the rearranged Euros, but for the club it is a win win situation.
Following that are the transfer rumors. Notions of Timo Werner or Moussa Dembele have been fading out of sight and are being replaced by ideas of Dries Mertens or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Both players check the box of strikers that can play wide which Chelsea seems to be looking for to supplement, rather than replace or deputize, Abraham. Both also seem to fit into the category of buying experience to bolster a young squad, so the rumor checks out on two fronts.
Beyond that is how either would actually fit in the grand scheme of things. Both are on the older side and both are likely to suffer from the effects of age due to their playing styles. That does not mean they do not offer plenty for Chelsea on the pitch, just that it would be a diminishing product.
Of course, that is not necessarily a bad thing either as it leaves the lane open for the youth coming through. Both Mertens and Aubameyang could offer valuable experience on and off the field and the youth will feel like they do have a chance to push them out. Again, a win win for the club if not necessarily for the players themselves.
And both players are still quite good and could help Chelsea right away. Yes, that diminishing product will be a worry but in the short term both will come cheap and offer plenty before that becomes an issue. Of the two, Aubameyang would likely be the better option not only because he would weaken Arsenal, but because he is already a known quantity in the league.
Chelsea’s plans will likely solidify more in the coming weeks but it is clear striker is a priority given the rumors around it. The Blues are aiming for experience and quality and Mertens and Aubameyang can offer that, as can Giroud if he stays through his extension.