Chelsea can penny pinch on one hand and splurge on the other
By Travis Tyler
Chelsea has been looking to spend this summer, but they can also look at players they already have or cheap options to further strengthen the squad.
Chelsea is looking to make a statement this summer. Arguably, they already have with the signing of Hakim Ziyech and the any moment now hopefully signing of Timo Werner. But beyond those two, Chelsea does not appear to be stopping with Kai Havertz and Ben Chilwell linked as well.
Chelsea went into this window needing at least an attacker and a left back. Beyond that, the Blues could also do with a defensive midfielder, a center back, and perhaps a goalkeeper. Those are, by and large, the less “sexy” positions and not ones clubs really splurge on anymore. But in a summer of splurging for the Blues, they could realistically go with anyone.
That being said, not every position of need requires a big name player for a huge price. Sometimes, penny pinching can work just as effectively. High quality players can be found for low prices and some are already in the squad. The club can splurge on one hand and penny pinch on the other this summer.
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The attacking spots are already pretty shored up for next season and if Havertz makes a blockbuster move to Chelsea it will go over the top. But left back will remain a position of need at the minimum and Chilwell would be an extremely pricey acquisition. It has been brought up before, but Nicolas Tagliafico would be a much cheaper option for virtually the same ability.
It appears the club will take a wait and see approach to Kepa Arrizabalaga but when a player like Andre Onana is quoted at a very affordable price, the club would be foolish to not at least make a move. With Chelsea and Ajax developing an ever closer relationship, the move might even be made easier for the Blues.
Defensive midfield and center back can also be strengthened with the latter surely in the most need. Chelsea, overall, has four solid center backs but none of the four really wow or standout from the others. Enter Ethan Ampadu.
Ampadu has had a rough two seasons. Maurizio Sarri saw little to no use for him and that was before the injuries. Those injuries have largely carried over into his time at RB Leipzig which, while surely a valuable learning experience, has been a failure in regards to playing time. But Ampadu’s potential is still there and if he can return to fitness, he could play a double role for Chelsea next season.
Beyond N’Golo Kante, Chelsea does not have a midfielder that can focus more on defense than offense or possession. Ampadu could fill that role as needed and he could also play as a center back as needed. He alone should not preclude the club from pursuing a world class center back, but he can at least ease the urgency of it.
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Chelsea can splurge and uses those splurges to show the world (and transfer targets) that they are serious about rising back to the top of the Premier League. But they can also save some cash on cheaper targets and players they already have. The two strategies can go hand in hand to improve the Blues for next season.