How many signings Chelsea plan to complete before transfer window ends

The situation at Chelsea is coming increasing clearer at this point, with the transfer market expiring quickly. Only a few days remain, and the Blues will likely add two or even three top signings prior to the window closing. I would describe the targets as marquee: Wesley Fofana of Leicester City is on the precipice of joining CFC, negotiations continue for Barcelona’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and possibly someone such as Everton winger Anthony Gordon. Fofana’s New York medical is reportedly complete, along with contracts being signed, so there is no issue there. Chels‘ don’t want to give Aubameyang a three year deal, causing proceedings to stall.

While the Toffees won’t relinquish Gordon easily: a £60million bid apparently insufficient to test EFC’s desire to retain. I know the Englishman is not atop most Chelsea supporters’ wishlists. Though if the England Under-21 star does sign, I think the majority of fans will be pleasantly surprised at his output and desire. An underrated option, in my view. Unfortunately, fees are currently inflated, especially at the end of August. this leaves few other alternatives providing Premier League experience at such a young age. A short amount of time will tell on this one, and with regard to the ‘Auba’ proposal.

How many signings Chelsea plan to complete before the transfer window ends, and which players are being targeted

Switching attention to Blues who may depart Stamford Bridge, ESPN’s senior football writer, James Olley, suggests that American wingman Christian Pulisic “is increasingly likely to stay at Chelsea” this summer. There is an argument that Pulisic simply doesn’t fit at Chels. Although I disagree: the USA national team captain has never had the luxury and trust of a constant starting role, even when in great form. I would recommend giving him that chance this campaign, certainly if Gordon is not added to the squad.

Furthermore, Olley states that the club are “not prepared to let Callum Hudson-Odoi, Hakim Ziyech and Pulisic” depart CFC together, presently. However, the latter could still possibly leave if Thomas Tuchel is “able to sign two players this week”. Meaning the attacker’s future is uncertain, at least for another 72 hours.

This measure regarding Pulisic is absolutely understandable from a Chelsea perspective: he is a talent, and they cannot be left shorthanded. I can’t see a place for Ziyech in Tuchel’s plans; like Hudson-Odoi, who is now a temporary Bayer Leverkusen player, I rate the Moroccan highly. According to reporter Patrick Berger, Ajax are discussing a permanent move for the Netherlands-born athlete.

A further polarising name mentioned as a possibility for the wings, is Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha. Zaha is ultra-talented – we all know that. Yet his mercurial, inconsistent and occasionally tempestuous nature make him an awkward fit for most elite sides. Would his personality clash with Tuchel’s? Potentially. Can the former do the business in the EPL? Absolutely.

The head coach is arguably adept at dealing with problematic players. He also maintains a liking for them, such as Aubameyang. CFC are said to be in the “lead” for Zaha, amidst interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur for the Ivory Coast international.