Chelsea is on the lookout for some new players as the transfer window cracks open. Much of the movement will wait until after the Euros, but the Blues are reportedly in the market for a new striker, central defender and defensive midfielder. While there are no issues with a No. 9 and an elite centerback, it seems that the emphasis on a midfield addition is a bit overdone.
The current midfield is loaded with talent of different varieties. Chelsea doesn’t need to add another midfielder, especially when one considers the pivot Thomas Tuchel so often deploys. Before discussing the transfer market though, let’s talk about the Blues’ current situation in the middle of the park.
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Starting with the possible Ballon d’Or winner, the irrepressible N’Golo Kante. Kante has proven that size is only a state of mind if you have the pace, strength and drive to succeed on the world stage. Kante has all in abundance and it’s lovely to see this recognized fully. Kante is an absolute Pac-Man, swallowing up balls in contention and filching them from opponents at every turn. In addition, his amazing pace is spellbinding as he seems to blast off from side-to-side, wreaking menace on opponents. He’s a phenomenon that Chelsea was astute enough to acquire from Leicester City and the Blues have never looked back.
Also available in the midfield are two other top midfielders, both of whom have shone brightly for not only Chelsea, but also for their national teams in the ongoing Euros. These are, of course, Croatian national Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho of Italy. Both were major positive contributors for Chelsea as it earned Champions League qualification for 2021/22 and then went on to soar by winning the Champions League itself just days later. Kovacic and Jorginho contributed mightily to the Blues’ success in achieving two of their major goals. Both look like they will be back next season and both are top players who have earned their places in the team.
Chelsea’s wild card in midfield ahead of the 2021/22 season is Billy Gilmour.
After having won the Man of the Match in his first game on the international level against England, no less, the Scottish wunderkind had bad luck and was diagnosed with COVID-19. Yet, that notwithstanding, The Pride of London team remains conflicted about where he should spend next season. It will continue to be asserted here that Gilmour should be an integral part of the Chelsea team next season. He has proven beyond a doubt that he is up to the challenge in any competition and he should be a mainstay in a solid rotation in the Blues’ midfield for 2021/22.
Should the acquisition of Declan Rice take place, for example, that would certainly complicate things. At this moment in time though, no such transfer is really necessary. Chelsea is well-stocked in defensive midfield with four top national team players. So, what does this mean for the Blues’ transfer activity this summer? The answer is simple: concentrate focus and resources in securing a striker, and should any central defender depart, perhaps purchase a replacement there.
Chelsea should also offload Kepa Arrizabalga and bring in a top back-up keeper. This would allow the club to sit Edouard Mendy for cup games and when he is on sabbatical in the African Cup of Nations. There’s always lots of talk, but let’s see what Chelsea ultimately achieves in the transfer window this summer. It’s one or two transfers that may just determine if they can take away trophies next season.
What do you think Chelsea should do in the transfer window? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!