Chelsea Influencers Pick Their Top Summer Transfer Target
With the 2016/17 Premier League campaign disappearing over the horizon in our rear-view mirror, the focus now is on looking forward.
For clubs like Chelsea, that means scouring the transfer market for new talent to not only sustain their success but propel them back among Europe's elite as they plan a UEFA Champions League assault.
The likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City will be no different. Indeed, Pep Guardiola's City have already been busy this summer, signing Bernardo Silva from AS Monaco and Benfica goalkeeper Ederson.
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Antonio Conte is yet to add any new faces to his squad—although Asmir Begovic has left to join Bournemouth—but with June yet to hit double figures in days, now is not the time for Chelsea fans to be panicking. There is still a month before the transfer window opens, when the market will kick into overdrive.
When that time comes, who do Blues supporters hope to see arriving at Stamford Bridge? Bleacher Report spoke to some Chelsea influencers to grasp the opinion from the terraces.
David Johnstone, cfcuk fanzine editor
Twitter: @onlyapound
Top target: Alvaro Morata or Antoine Griezmann
For David Johnstone, Chelsea have to address their goalkeeping situation this summer as a matter of importance. While Begovic hardly featured last season on the back of Thibaut Courtois' return to form, the security of having a capable No. 2 is paramount.
Johnstone also believes the Blues have to bulk up their midfield and need a striker capable of competing with Diego Costa.
"A new 'keeper as cover for Courtois is essential, but it's a tough position for anyone who Chelsea sign as the likelihood of regular first-team football is slim," Johnstone said.
"With Ruben Loftus-Cheek likely to be going out on loan, and Nemanja Matic only 50-50 as to whether he'll sign a new contract, Chelsea's midfield will need some new additions, also.
"I would love Chelsea to sign either Alvaro Morata or Antoine Griezmann as serious competition for Diego Costa. We need more goals in this side and either of those two would provide them, were we able to get them."
Paul Lagan, journalist
Twitter: @CFCJourno
Top target: Moussa Dembele or Gareth Bale
Chelsea's firepower, or lack thereof, is also a concern for journalist Paul Lagan. And looking at Conte's squad, it's clear to see why.
Outside of Costa and Michy Batshuayi—who failed to complete 90 minutes in the Premier League last term—Chelsea have no other options up front to lead the line.
Lagan believes the Blues have to go for a forward capable of playing the supporting role for Costa, and he is targeting a player who has turned heads with his form north of the border.
"Chelsea need a committed second striker," he said. "After the season he has had, Celtic's Moussa Dembele would be useful. He's young, hungry and has shown he can score goals. He's the type of striker Chelsea should be looking at."
Lagan also suggests Conte should look at offloading some prime talent to revitalise his squad, controversially suggesting Eden Hazard should be moved on.
"Hazard's past his sell-by date at Chelsea, and I would love to see Gareth Bale in his place," he said, while also pointing out that the Blues' wing-backs should be upgraded, despite their fine season in 2016/17.
"Chelsea should move for Ryan Bertrand over Marcos Alonso and push Cesar Azpilicueta further right in place of Victor Moses," Lagan said.
"Conte should either play Cesc Fabregas or let him go. And as for the new second-choice goalkeeper, how about Shay Given?"
We're not sure Conte will feel the same, but by Lagan's measure at least, it will be a busy summer for the Italian at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea HQ, Twitter
Twitter: @Chelsea_HQ
Top target: Alvaro Morata
With new faces clearly needed in west London, it's difficult for Chelsea supporters to name just one player who will breed confidence the club can repeat the success of 2016/17.
Like all the Chelsea influencers we spoke with, popular Twitter account Chelsea HQ outlined the areas that must be addressed, with a player for each position.
"Jordan Pickford would be a great option in goal to support Courtois," they said, before looking at other shortages in defence and midfield.
"Virgil van Dijk has been discussed as a long-term target and would definitely give something different at the back. Serge Aurier is also a good option for the right wing-back position. Alex Sandro would be a brilliant capture if Chelsea could pull off a deal for him. Radja Nainggolan would beef up the midfield."
With that shortage among the strikers, however, one name keeps rearing its head among the Chelsea faithful.
"We need a striker and Alvaro Morata fits the bill, but would he want to come in and be second choice?" they said.
"It's tough to say who Chelsea need exactly right now as it depends on so many factors, notably who the club might sell. Either way, we need to add some fresh blood."
Richard Weekes, We Are The Shed
Twitter: @WeAre_TheShed
Top target: Ryan Bertrand
Despite Victor Moses being one of the surprise packages of Chelsea's title-winning campaign, it seems fans are not totally convinced by him as a long-term option at wing-back.
Richard Weekes from the We Are The Shed fans' group suggests Conte needs to draft in another player on the right side of his four-man midfield to compete with the Nigerian at least, not to mention another defender.
"I'd say we need another centre-back to challenge the back three and definitely someone to give Moses some competition," he said.
"If Batshuayi goes on loan, another striker is needed as well. We can't get by with just Diego Costa.
"To be honest, though, I'd rather see Tammy Abraham or Bertrand Traore brought back in after their successful loan spells to fight for a place as back-up or a partner for Costa if he doesn't leave."
While the need for strikers and a right wing-back is important, Weekes would like to see the Blues return to a former player to usurp Alonso on the opposite flank.
"It would be brilliant to welcome Ryan Bertrand back at the club," he said. "I feel he'd fit well into Conte's plans. He's been a major success at Southampton since we sold him a few years ago."
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