Chelsea: The state of the club as the Premier League season winds down

As the 2019/20 season draws to a close, let’s take a look at the state of Chelsea Football Club, its players and its future.

As the season comes to a close, it’s time for reflection. The Blues have had an up and down first year under Frank Lampard, but overall, it can be considered a success. Here are some comments on the state of things at Chelsea heading into next season.

First, gaining Champions League participation is a major achievement and really a necessity. The Blues control their own destiny and sit one-point above both Manchester United and Leicester City. The team’s current position is part in thanks due to one man. Olivier Giroud is Chelsea’s most underrated player and one of the most under-appreciated forwards in the Premier League. He has also been the most valuable player for Chelsea since the restart and it’s easy to see why. He’s won three games to date. Without Giroud, Chelsea would likely be a Europa League team. He can clearly be productive for two more seasons easily—those are seasons he should spend in west London.

Christian Pulisic has also been a star—if not a revelation—in the restart. He provided the cross for Giroud for the hugely consequential winner against Norwich. Healthy and determined, his direct style has given Chelsea a new threat in attack and overall, pumped life into the squad. At times though, it seems he’s the only threat. Pulisic is showing that the major investment Chelsea made in the American was a good and potentially great one. Willian has also shined since the restart with fresh legs giving him great pace when he’s not overused. Giroud, Pulisic, and Willian have all been vital to the push for UCL inclusion. Without any of the three, qualification would be doubtful.

Looking ahead, big changes in the squad seem probable as Lampard finally gets his opportunity to reshape the team according to his own football philosophy. Already achieved are two major signings, Hakim Ziyech—a magician with the ball at his feet—and the dynamic goal-machine Timo Werner. No ordinary signings, these two stars create the makings of the best transfer window in years.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, Willian and Chelsea may be headed for a divorce. If so, signing Said Benrahma, who has scored 17 goals for Brentford in the Championship, would be a big plus. He’s a terrific Premier League-level talent who is headed for a breakthrough at the highest levels. That situation will be overshadowed though if the rumored transfer of Kai Havertz is actually accomplished. With Havertz, Lampard will have largely refashioned his attack into a Premier League contending level and UCL competitor, as well. Havertz is exactly what Chelsea needs to provide top tier link-up between the midfield and the forwards. While Mason Mount has the potential, Havertz is already there. His transfer would be huge.

Chelsea’s need for a tall, bruising center back is obvious every game. The Blues lack the needed enforcer; a tall, tough central defender such as Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli or Niklas Sule from Bayern are dream signings. Neither signing is likely, but an alternative or two of the same stature, toughness and talent, are still necessary. As Frank Lampard has said, he also needs a real leader as there are doubts as to whether or not there is a natural leader now in the team. Declan Rice could very well be that guy.

He has definite captain potential and he’s not reluctant to take charge. Whether in midfield or in central defense, Rice checks a lot of the boxes for remedying major deficiencies in the squad. Hopefully, Lampard will push hard for the inclusion of this dynamic young star. That’s a transfer that should be a high priority. Nathan Ake would also be a plus on the team. £40 million is not an exorbitant amount to secure his services and the Blues need a higher priority central defender. He’s versatile and talented and he’d be good cover at fullback too.

A new keeper also has to be prioritized. A move for Jan Oblak would be a monstrously impactful and over-the-top great signing. If Chelsea does it, absolutely wonderful, great. But, in light of the Kepa Arrizabalaga debacle, it just doesn’t really add up on several levels. Chelsea would be setting the bar again for the world’s most expensive keeper. It’s risky. Andre Onana of Ajax is a lot more practical (though clearly not a better) target. Yet, there’s an awful lot to like about his game that would translate well to Chelsea.

His goal-kicks can be a real asset to the new version of Chelsea next season. He actually completes them to his own team and the cost of Onana would probably amount to a third or so of the Oblak freight. He or Dean Henderson from Sheffield—on loan from Manchester United— would be good alternatives to Oblak. No matter how the cookie crumbles, a new keeper is imperative to the side’s success next season.

There are two league games to go and hopefully, UCL qualification awaits. After the season ends, Chelsea will have a lot of work to do if the club is to reconstruct the team to compete with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City for the Premier League title and with Europe’s best in the UCL.

Now, armed with funds and able to add to them by selling a number of players who don’t fit the head coach’s new scheme, it’s time for a monumental effort to bring in new, dynamic players. These need to be the players Frank Lampard wants. The Blues have made a terrific beginning to this transfer window in signing Ziyech and Werner after being out of the two last windows. Soon we’ll see if they can go ahead and complete the team by filling the remaining holes. It will likely be a very interesting and exciting transfer window for Chelsea fans. Bring it on.