After a season filled with inconsistencies, Chelsea will need to hit the jackpot this summer if they are to return to prominence.
This season should’ve been one that gave Chelsea fans reason to believe their team would challenge for everything. Looking back on it now, that idea would be met with laughter.
And it’s sad that after dominating the Premier League last season with their 3-4-3 formation, this season has been anything but consistent. From the opening day loss at home to Burnley, to poor play from record-signing Alvaro Morata, it hasn’t been pretty to watch at times.
And with the constant rumors of Antonio Conte’s future, Chelsea fans are suddenly going through another big summer. The revolving door of managers this decade has been baffling — from Carlo Ancelotti to Roberto Di Matteo and back to Jose Mourinho.
The lows of losing at home to Spurs, finishing fifth and getting eliminated by Barcelona in the Champions League have been leveled somewhat by winning the FA Cup. But once again, we find ourselves wondering how Chelsea can get back to the top of English soccer. It’s not going to be easy as title rivals will also strengthen.
Whether it’s Conte and Maurizio Sarri in charge, here are five player Chelsea should sign this summer.
5. Jean Michael Seri
One glaring takeaway from Chelsea’s season was the difficulty new signing Tiemoue Bakayoko had playing at the club. It could be new surroundings, new culture and what-not.
But let’s face it, his performances this season did not do him any favors, and he was often benched as a result. He and N’Golo Kante were supposed to be this impenetrable midfield, and at times they were. But more often than not you can tell it was hard to figure out what Bakayoko’s role was in Conte’s system.
This is where Seri, a holding midfielder, comes in. Seri, along with Kante and Bakayoko, can from an impressive midfield three, should Sarri come in and implement his 4-3-3 style. But Chelsea will have to move quickly, as reports have surfaced Arsenal have beaten everyone for his signature.
It must feel like a matter of time now, but midfield has been a worry for Chelsea this season. Cesc Fabregas isn’t getting any younger, which is why the 26-year-old Seri may just do the trick. Not improving the middle of the park would be a big mistake for Chelsea.