Alex Keble looks at what Chelsea need to do in the summer transfer window to improve their squad.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s goalscoring issues disappeared by the end of the season as they hit 77 from an Expected Goals (xG) of 75.29, and Christopher Nkunku - who scored 36 goals in 59 league matches in his last two seasons at RB Leipzig - is the linking No 9 that Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo Maresca will appreciate.
That means Chelsea can focus on adding creativity to complement Cole Palmer. Chelsea ranked only eighth in the table for chances created, with 419, so they could do with another No 10 to thread passes against the deep blocks they will face.
Moving to possession football means greater craft is needed between the lines, whereas currently Chelsea rely upon Noni Madueke's directness and the full-pelt running of Conor Gallagher. Maresca will need guile in the final third.
In defence, the issue is predominantly a lack of experience. Chelsea made the joint-most errors leading to shots, with 24, and with Thiago Silva leaving, there is a serious absence of leadership at the back. They may need another addition alongside Tosin Adarabioyo.
Key positions to target: Centre-back, playmaker
Ins and outs so far
Player | Transfer Type | Club | Full Details |
---|---|---|---|
Thiago Silva | Released | - | Details |
Armando Broja | Loan Recall | Fulham | Details |
Tosin Adarabioyo | Transfer In | Fulham | Details |
(Last updated: 7 June)