EPL: Who Needs What In Summer Transfer Window?

Chelsea

Players In: 

Radamel Falcao – AS Monaco (loan)

Nathan – Atletico Paranaense

Asmir Begovic – Stoke

Players Out: 

Marco van Ginkel – Stoke (loan)

Petr Cech – Arsenal

Christian Atsu – Bournemouth (loan)

Didier Drogba – Released

This has been a relatively slow transfer window for Chelsea, especially in contrast to their quick business this time last year. Their acquisition of Radamel Falcao seems like a big risk given his struggles with Man United, although Chelsea are no strangers to misfiring strikers.

The signing of Asmir Begovic to replace Chelsea legend Petr Cech is about as good as it gets when the Bosnian knows that he will play second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois. Clearly Chelsea are not done with their transfer activity, with plenty of ins and outs on the cards.

Defender

Jose Mourinho has not been subtle about his desire to bring in a defender to maintain the balance of the squad that he was so happy with last season. Aside from like for like swaps, for example with Filipe Luis leaving and Baba Rahman coming in a left back, a center back seems like the main addition he is look for.

The first choice seems to be John Stones of Everton, with a first bid to test the waters having already been dismissed. Stones is a young English defender who is clearly eyes as a long-term replacement for John Terry and you would have to argue that he appears to be the perfect signing for Chelsea.

Midfielder

Despite denying interest in anyone other positions, Chelsea have seen other sides in the Premier League spend big and will be wary that they can’t rest on their laurels. They may have Nemanja Matic controlling the engine room, but is big games Cesc Fabregas was sometimes exploited for his lack of defensive awareness.

John Obi Mikel might be the go to holding midfielder currently, but there is certainly room for improvement in this area. Although Chelsea have been priced out of the likes of Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal has now moved to Bayern Munich, there are a number of other options.

Alex Witsel, current at Zenit, is a Belgian holding midfielder who is being heavily linked with Chelsea, with some sources claiming the deal is as good as done. Of a similar mould to Matic, he is a powerful presence in midfield and might be what Chelsea need on those tough European nights.

Next: Liverpool's activity and requirements