The Todd Boehly-led administration has endured an abysmal first season as Chelsea owners, and they will be criticised for several mind-boggling decisions. But let’s focus on their transfer business.
Despite splashing over £600 million since arriving at Stamford Bridge, Boehly has failed to improve the squad with his penchant for plucking young talents from across the globe.
While the Chelsea supporters will never complain about their new owners splashing the cash, their reckless splurging has plunged the club into disarray.
The club hierarchy have spent recklessly and failed to balance the squad leaving managers to contend with an oversized dressing room.
The Blues have already breezed through four managers this season – and could soon confirm a fifth just one year into the Boehly-led era, with Mauricio Pochettino poised to become the club’s new permanent manager this summer.
While the managers should take their fair share of the blame as to how the campaign panned out, much of the finger-pointing has gone toward the higher-ups.
They have gambled in their debut season and failed spectacularly, as their directionless spending has disrupted whatever cohesion was in the squad.
Despite dealing with a squad size big enough to field three separate XIs, there are still pending transfer deals set to be finalised, with Malo Gusto and Christopher Nkunku joining this summer.
Chelsea are also planning to reinforce the squad at the end of the season with a goalkeeper, defensive midfielder, and striker on their shortlist.
However, they are required to shed some of their weight and wage bill amid fears of breaching financial fair play regulations, so a summer clear-out is on the cards.
While the club scratches its head on how to navigate the dangerous waters of the transfer market, here’s how we think Chelsea’s summer business should go.
Goalkeepers
Chelsea are in the market for a new number-one shot-stopper, but there’s still a small matter of what to do with the struggling duo of Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Mendy has not featured for the Blues since the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United back in November, with Arrizabalaga establishing himself as the first-choice goalie.
The 31-year-old was an integral part of the squad under Tuchel but looks past his prime and should move on this summer.
Despite being handed the starting berth, Arrizabalaga has flattered to deceive and should be relegated to the backup role while a new goalie takes the reins between the sticks.
Defenders
If ever reckless spending needed a face, Marc Cucurella would be the perfect example, with the left-back failing to justify his outrageous £62m transfer fee.
However, let’s allow the Spaniard a season of adaptation and see what he brings to the table next term – while Ian Maatsen continues his development with the newly promoted Burnley.
Meanwhile, Cesar Azpilicueta has run his course in the Blues colour and should finally be allowed his dream move to Barcelona, while Kalidou Koulibaly follows Captain Fantastic out the door.
Midfielders
Perhaps the part of the pitch that needs the most investment, especially the defensive midfield department.
Mega money signing Enzo Fernandez has been utilised in the role, especially as Juventus loanee Denis Zakaria who should return to his parent club this summer, continues to flirt with the hospital bed.
Mason Mount’s long-term future at Stamford Bridge has come into question, with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2024.
The club is currently locked in negotiations with the Blues academy graduate, with Boehly said to be leading the charge, which bodes well as Chelsea would be silly to let the 24-year-old leave this summer.
Mateo Kovacic has been a staple at the club since arriving in 2019 and is famous for his press resistance, ball-carrying abilities, and a flair for the occasional stunner.
However, with his contract set to expire in 2024, Chelsea could do with the transfer fee they recoup from his sale along with academy graduates Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher.
Both players will do the Blues a favour with financial fair play, while Carney Chukwuemeka should be allowed to leave on loan to continue his development elsewhere.
Forwards
Chelsea have more forwards than they know what to do with and several are expected to cut ties with the Blues this summer, including Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Blues are also pondering whether or not to sign Joao Felix on a permanent deal despite an underwhelming loan experience thus far.
However, it would be in the club’s best interest if the forward returns to Atletico Madrid this summer, especially with Nkunku coming in.
With Romelu Lukaku set to return from his loan spell at Inter Milan, the Belgian, who seemed to have recaptured his goal-scoring form, could save Chelsea from splashing at least £100m on a new striker.
It remains to be seen if he can be to Pochettino what Harry Kane once was, but that’s an experiment worth risking with the cash invested in other areas of the squad.
David Datro Fofana is a promising talent and has shown a willingness to fight for the badge in the little time he has been allowed on the pitch.
He should remain at the club to play second fiddle to Lukaku, with Armando Broja loaned out to regain his mojo after recovering from an ACL injury.
