Chelsea have plenty of business to take care of this summer as they look to transform this squad under Xabi Alonso. Given the wealth of young talent the club has amassed over recent years, it's unlikely to be a case of a squad reset, but a couple of exits and a handful of signings are likely.
After missing out on European football altogether, Chelsea know they need to get much better, and Alonso will likely have demanded some signings before putting pen to paper and agreeing to become the new manager.
Striker opportunity arises for Chelsea
One of the areas Chelsea certainly need help in is up front. Joao Pedro was a superb signing, but Liam Delap does not look close to ready to compete at Chelsea's level, and beyond Delap, there are no real options.
Nicolas Jackson may get a fresh opportunity when he returns from Bayern Munich this summer, but it's clear Chelsea need another proven striker if they want to compete for the top four and beyond.
The striker position is a tricky one to get right, though, and Chelsea know that all too well, given their mixed record at the top of the pitch.
One potential option is Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, who is about to become a free agent. Vlahovic was once dubbed the next big thing following his successful first season with Juve, but his reputation has faded a little, although he has still provided goals, scoring 10 in the season just gone.
Still only 26, and clearly a striker who is capable of being dangerous at the top level, it's remarkable that the Serbian has been allowed to become a free agent, but it seems as though he has had enough of the Turin circus.
Vlahovic is not a 25-goal-per-season goalscorer, but he offers plenty in the way of holding up the ball and bringing wingers into play. That's something Chelsea have not got in either of Joao Pedro, Jackson or Delap.
This Chelsea attack needs more options, but it also needs more versatility. Alonso should be focusing on adding what this Blues side hasn't got rather than simply upgrading what it does. With wingers who can cross the ball like Pedro Neto, Chelsea lacks an Olivier Giroud-type who can challenge in the air but also do damage on the ground.
Vlahovic fits that mould, and while his salary is likely to be costly, the lack of a transfer fee makes him a player worth gambling on, even if it means also signing another striker for a fee, which seems likely.
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