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Chelsea keep, sell, buy ahead of the 2021/22 campaign: Forwards

By Akshat Mehrish

Chelsea's German midfielder Kai Havertz (R) celebrates with Chelsea's English striker Tammy Abraham (L) and Chelsea's English midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi (R) after scoring his team's fourth goal during the English League Cup third round football match between Chelsea and Barnsley at Stamford Bridge in London on September 23, 2020. (Photo by Alastair Grant / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ALASTAIR GRANT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's German midfielder Kai Havertz (R) celebrates with Chelsea's English striker Tammy Abraham (L) and Chelsea's English midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi (R) after scoring his team's fourth goal during the English League Cup third round football match between Chelsea and Barnsley at Stamford Bridge in London on September 23, 2020. (Photo by Alastair Grant / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ALASTAIR GRANT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s German midfielder Kai Havertz (R) celebrates with Chelsea’s English striker Tammy Abraham (L) and Chelsea’s English midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi (R) after scoring his team’s fourth goal during the English League Cup third round football match between Chelsea and Barnsley at Stamford Bridge in London on September 23, 2020. (Photo by ALASTAIR GRANT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s German midfielder Kai Havertz (R) celebrates with Chelsea’s English striker Tammy Abraham (L) and Chelsea’s English midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi (R) after scoring his team’s fourth goal during the English League Cup third round football match between Chelsea and Barnsley at Stamford Bridge in London on September 23, 2020. (Photo by ALASTAIR GRANT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Chelsea decided to invest heavily in its attack ahead of the 2020/21 season with the additions of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz. However, with the forwards struggling to find their feet in a new environment, the expectation is that the club enters the market again. With an abundance of talent in their current squad, some key decisions need to be made—who stays, who goes and who comes in?

After putting centrebacks, fullbacks and midfielders under the microscope, it is time to consider the forwards:

1. Keep

Chelsea decided to largely focus on attackers in the transfer market ahead of the 2020/21 season. The Blues saw an opportunity to bring in some of the best-attacking talents in the world, and duly completed deals for Werner, Havertz, and Ziyech.

None of the three signings have lit up the league this season. However, that is to be expected when transitioning between two different countries without a proper bedding-in period. The trio got thrown into the deep end straight away, had to battle with injuries and continue to be involved in the most clustered season in recent football history. I expect them to come good next season, or rather I hope that they do, but that is my affiliation with Chelsea speaking. Nonetheless, keeping them around for the 2021/22 campaign is a pretty straightforward decision, considering the amount the club has invested in them.

Reports, however, continue to link the likes of Ziyech and Werner away from the club, as they do Christian Pulisic. The American attacker has largely been on the periphery of the starting XI this season, but a lot of that can be blamed on his continued injury woes. Last season, Pulisic showed exactly why Chelsea went big to sign him. His best performances came in two phases, one before December 2019 and one post the lockdown period, with a large injury lay-off factoring in between. There is no doubt that the American is a talented player, even though his persistent injuries problems remain a concern. It would be a mistake to give up on him so quickly, especially with age on his side.

A key reason to not sell Pulisic in the upcoming transfer window is that he is one of only two natural wingers in the squad. The other one, Callum Hudson-Odoi, has had to face his share of difficulties. He is back to his best after a long-term injury and after earning Tuchel’s trust, he is set to play a key role for Chelsea next season.

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