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5 Keys to Chelsea’s rebuild during summer transfer window

By Malcom David

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 18: Behdad Eghbali, Co-Owner of Chelsea, walks with Todd Boehly, Chairman of Chelsea, as they make their way across the pitch after the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge on April 18, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 18: Behdad Eghbali, Co-Owner of Chelsea, walks with Todd Boehly, Chairman of Chelsea, as they make their way across the pitch after the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge on April 18, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea transfer target Manuel Ugarte (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images) /

5. Positional reinforcements

Apart from a new striker, two positions in the squad are widely believed to require reinforcements this summer: the defensive midfielder role and a new first choice goalkeeper. Starting with the man between the sticks, we’ve relied on two primary options in recent seasons: Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy. Kepa, who arrived in 2018 for a record goalkeeper fee, was the default first choice for two years until his consistent mistakes and underwhelming performances prompted the signing of Edouard Mendy in September of 2020.

Mendy immediately broke into the first team under Lampard and emerged as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper under Thomas Tuchel’s triumphant Chelsea side in the UCL. However, following Tuchel’s departure, Mendy fell out of favor with manager Graham Potter, leading to Kepa regaining the No.1 spot. Consequently, the club finds itself with two talented keepers who could be first choice at other top clubs but have clear flaws that have led to game deciding mistakes too often for liking.

Rumors suggest that Mendy is the likely departure, making the acquisition of a new first-choice goalkeeper a priority this summer. CFC’s primary target for this position is reportedly Andre Onana from Inter Milan, a player with his own share of ups and downs but who has played a crucial role in Inter’s journey to the Champions League Final. Another rumored goalkeeper that Chelsea has been linked with is David Raya from Brentford.

Next. Big six Premier League club muscle in on sought-after Chelsea transfer. dark

The defensive midfielder role is another area where there is need for an upgrade. With the acquisition of Enzo Fernandez, the Argentinian has been deployed in numerous roles in the midfield and it’s evident he’s best when he’s given freedom to roam forward and create those goal scoring chances rather than being burdened with defensive duties as a traditional ‘DM’. While N’Golo Kante is capable of playing in that deeper role, the Frenchman’s injuries paired with his own positional transition into a more progressive ball carrying midfielder underscores the need for a traditional No.6.

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