Was Chelsea’s summer transfer window a success?

Marquee acquisitions

Let’s list the main senior additions first of all: Wesley Fofana, Raheem Sterling, Marc Cucurella, Kalidou Koulibaly, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. I have declared Fofana a gem of a capture for the outfit. Although costly, that figure will prove nothing in the grand scheme of things – unless I am very much mistaken.

Someone of Sterling’s stature and experience was required on the pitch for output, and needed as a statement off it. The winger will produce the goods if he has the right teammates and stability surrounding him, as he proved for Manchester City and England.

Cucurella needs time, but he is explosive and dedicated. I envision a fine Blues career for the Spaniard. Yet his price was a bit hefty. Koulibaly is a natural-born centreback. I think the fans are lucky to have him at the Bridge.

Aubameyang will go either way: amazing success, or absolute failure. Thankfully the amount paid wasn’t too bad so the risk is minimal. Hopefully the loan for Denis Zakaria will be more fruitful than that of Saul Niguez. Overall, in the circumstances with all the complications, haste and no true recruitment chief, this is prospectively an 8.5/10 window.