Where Do Blues Need To Strengthen Before Window Closes?
Premier League champions Chelsea have endured a tough start to the new season – but with two weeks remaining of the summer transfer window, they still have time to strengthen their squad.
But what type of players do they need?
The Blues added goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, left-back Baba Rahman and on-loan striker Radamel Falcao to their squad in the summer, with fellow new recruits Nathan and Danilo Pantic immediately going out on loan to Vitesse Arnhem.
However, Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas reckons they could do with signing a new centre-back and right-back in the final weeks of the transfer window, following below-par displays from John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic in their disappointing season openers with Swansea and Manchester City.
“Chelsea have already brought in a top replacement for Petr Cech in Begovic and other than that I think they are pretty well covered, with Diego Costa, Falcao and Loic Remy up front giving them three strikers to choose from,” said Nicholas.
“However, they need a centre-half and right-back. Ivanovic was as poor as I’ve ever seen him against City. The week before, he got torn apart by Jefferson Montero so they may look for cover there.”
Young England defender John Stones has been targeted by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and Chelsea have now had three bids rejected by Everton, with Roberto Martinez adamant his talented prospect is not for sale. However, that is unlikely to end Chelsea’s interest in the 21-year-old centre-back, who has won the approval of Blues legend John Terry. “I’m a big fan of his,” Terry said earlier this summer.
Chelsea have already spent £21.7m on a left-back this summer with the acquisition of Baba Rahman but reports suggest their interest in Galatasaray defender Alex Telles remains. The 22-year-old would strengthen Chelsea in the full-back department, after Filipe Luis returned to Atletico Madrid. The move could also potentially allow Cesar Azpilicueta to switch to right-back in place of the out-of-form Ivanovic.
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