Chelsea are preparing for another huge rebuild this summer as Xabi Alonso gets ready to officially begin work at Stamford Bridge on July 1.
After another disastrous campaign which ended without European football, multiple changes are expected both in and out this summer. Chelsea’s financial situation also means sales may be needed before any major additions are made.
Enzo Fernandez looks like the highest-profile player who could leave after reports suggested he wants to join Real Madrid, although Chelsea are expected to demand around £120 million in order to sell.
At the same time, questions around what type of player Alonso should target continue following BlueCo's preference to sign youth and long-term potential over experience.
Former Blue Joe Cole thinks the answer is obvious, though.
Joe Cole thinks Chelsea should sign legendary free agents
Speaking to Football London, Cole has urged Chelsea to add experienced and proven winners to the dressing room rather than continuing to rely on young and upcoming stars.
“They (young players) just need what I’ve been saying for two or three years, where you have experience around them within the group that helps them through games to coach them, whilst on the pitch to give them their wisdom, you know, and build it out that way," he said.
The retired attacker suggested Chelsea should move for both John Stones and Robert Lewandowski on free transfers after the pair announced they're leaving Manchester City and Barcelona, respectively.
He added: “And then you bring in your John Stones and Robert Lewandowski and players on a free transfer who don’t need to play every minute of every game, but they understand winning, they understand culture and they can still help out in the pitch and do bits.”
Chelsea’s squad has looked painfully fragile during moments over the last two seasons, particularly when the games became stretched. The side really lacked proper in-game management and there's no denying Stones and Lewandowski would certainly help in that area.
Both players have won the Champions League during their careers and understand exactly what elite dressing rooms should look and feel like.
A sign of Chelsea's decline
However, while Cole’s suggestions make a lot of sense, they also highlight how far Chelsea’s standards have slipped over recent years.
There was a period where Chelsea were known for signing world-class players either before or during their prime years.
Now, conversations are on whether the club should target ageing free agents approaching the final stages of their careers instead.
No disrespect to Stones and Lewandowski, both are still top players, but they're 32 and 37 years old. They're hardly at their peaks any more.
A decade ago, Chelsea would likely have been signing players of that calibre many years earlier in their careers rather than poaching them towards the end of their careers.
That is why this summer will be so important for Alonso and BlueCo, because Chelsea need to find the right balance between youth, experience and instant impact.
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