Six players Chelsea could sign before the season begins

Michael Olise (Crystal Palace)

2021/22 Season Stats: 26 matches played, two goals, five assists, .38npxG+xA/90

I know this is a transfer idea out of left field, but Michael Olise is a player I’m watching very closely at this moment in time. The 20-year-old attacker may be unrefined, but his unequivocal potential is tantalizing enough to warrant the small monetary and time investment he would require.

Olise is a creative and energetic player who thrives as a center-attacking midfielder or right winger. He’s particularly savvy in progressing and distributing the ball and shows glimpses of being an elite set-piece specialist. If his passing is his best attribute, his scoring potential is not far behind, as he consistently shows an adeptness in shooting in traffic and generating power in his spots in tight spaces.

What I love most about Olise though is his energy. He’s a player who is simply fun to watch and he can spark a team when it’s running on empty. I see him as a key substitute for the near future who can develop into an everyday winger down the line. Overall, Olise is a relatively inexpensive attacking option who will assuredly become a top target for clubs in the next two or three years.

Rafael Leao (AC Milan)

2021/22 Season Stats: 42 matches played, 14 goals, 12 assists, .53 npxG+xA/90

Rafael Leao has emerged as another popular name for the Blues recently, especially given the links between AC Milan and Hakim Ziyech heating up. Boehly seems to be interested in player swaps where possible, and this might be the most likely to work out as long as Chelsea is willing to pay big bucks for the Portuguese playmaker.

Leao is an interesting individual whom many find to be a burgeoning elite talent. Despite his obvious quality, I’m not sure it’s that cut and dry though. Traditionally a winger who spends his time on the left, Leao is a fluid player who has experience playing with inverted wingbacks. He has an excellent understanding of how to leverage space and link up with his teammates within a structured system. Statistically, Leao is as competent an attacking wing as there is in Serie A. He’s an unpredictable winger with a decent xG+A/90 and elite skills as a dribbler and ball advancer.

My concerns surrounding Leao come in the areas of passing. While he’s capable of distributing the ball on an average level, his passing range is substandard, which would be a liability if Chelsea intend to maintain its current formation. Leao is certain to command a high fee in this summer’s market. A move from the Blues would be a smart tone, but Boehly and Tuchel will need to be sure he’ll be able to function in their system and that Leao won’t be another Seria A flop.