3 stars Chelsea failed to sign this summer

Chelsea FC v Perth Glory
Maurizio Sarri has not been particularly active in the transfer window

Chelsea's most notable signing to date is Jorginho, who joined his Napoli manager, Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge. Other than that, most transfer news on the club had been on the futures of Willian, Thibaut Courtois, and Eden Hazard. The talented trio could be on their way out of England as they had been targeted by La Liga clubs. If the three of them leave the Blues and Maurizio Sarri does not sign anyone else, Chelsea could be in some deep trouble this season.

The 2016/17 title winners experienced a drastic change of fate in the Premier League last season. From lifting the trophy to finishing fifth in the overall standings, the decline was simply too absurd for the Chelsea board to accept.

As such, Antonio Conte was sacked and Sarri was brought in. This late change of managers has significantly disrupted Chelsea's summer transfer plans.

The London club failed to gain Aleksandr Golovin's signature which was a surprise for many fans. The Russian was highly expected to leave CSKA Moscow and make his move to England. However, Monaco eventually succeeded in bringing him into Ligue 1.

Here is a look at the three football stars the Blues failed to sign this summer.


#3 Jean Michael Seri

Reading v Fulham - Pre-Season Friendly
Jean Michael Seri

Both Arsenal and Chelsea missed out on Seri's signature. The player would still play in the Premier League this upcoming season, but unexpectedly, it is for Fulham. The newly promoted club managed to get the Ligue 1 player to join them on a four-year deal. Just last season, the midfielder was on the verge of signing for Barcelona.

In the top six clubs, Seri might find difficulty establishing himself as a regular starter. Most managers would prefer naming players who have had great experience in England.

However, under Slaviša Jokanović, the 27-year-old international could find it easier to play on a regular basis in every Premier League match. There are certainly high expectations on him since the former Nice player joined for a club record fee.

However, the pressure for him to perform is not as great as being a player from one of the top six clubs.

According to statistics from Whoscored, the central midfielder is very strong in his passing and key passes. He is also capable of taking both long shots and set-pieces. In early July, the London club came close to signing the athletic player. The deal between the two parties was said to have been agreed before Fulham took over the reins and snapped him up.

Throughout his career for Nice, the Ivory Coast international made 123 appearances in all competitions, netted 12 times and provided 26 assists for his team. No one would be able to understand how Chelsea had messed this up and failed to achieve his signature before he inked it on Fulham's contract papers.

#2 Alex Sandro

Juventus v FC Bayern Munich - International Champions Cup 2018
Alex Sandro was once targeted by the Blues

Alex Sandro looks nowhere near moving to Stamford Bridge. It was thought that the Juventus player was a long-term target for Chelsea, who were keen on bringing him into the team in January. Now, it seems like the Brazilian could be packing his bags and moving to Paris Saint Germain or even join the Red Devils.

The defender has been a regular starter under Massimiliano Allegri since he moved to Turin. Back then, the Chelsea board was unable to match Juventus' asking price. It seems possible that the Blues could miss out on the player to either a strong domestic or European rival. Interest in the player has since cooled and the London club seemed uninterested in rivalling their opponents for him.

Unlike in Conte's title-winning season, the Blues looked vulnerable at the back in the previous season. Sarri has not done much to improve the squad, besides bringing in Jorginho and Rob Green. The defenders on the team are getting old. Tiémoué Bakayoko, who has been largely recognized as a failed signing, could be on his way out of the Stamford Bridge soon.

The transfer window is set to close in two weeks' time. There is little time left for Sarri to get players to join him.

At the end of the day, Chelsea could be regretting their decision to not go for Sandro. Last season, the 27-year-old made an average of three defensive actions in each match and had a passing accuracy of 86%. Regardless of whether he stays or leaves for another club, Sandro could well have been a solid addition to the Chelsea team.

#1 Aleksandr Golovin

PFC CSKA Moscow vs FC Dinamo Moscow - Russian Premier League
Aleksandr Golovin (right) joined Monaco instead of Chelsea

The Russian World Cup star had often been linked to a move to the English Premier League, where he would join Chelsea. However, amidst the change of managers at Stamford Bridge, the London club probably lost their chance to sign the talented 22-year-old. Golovin eventually decided to join Monaco to play in Ligue 1.

On the day of his debut in the World Cup, the CSKA Moscow player scored an amazing free-kick against Saudi Arabia during injury time. The central midfielder has loads of experience playing in Russia, amassing 113 appearances for his club over the span of four years.

He is one of the brightest sparks from Russia. At this young age, there are still plenty of years ahead for him to develop into his best and amaze the world with his skills.

Golovin is talented in dribbling, taking long shots, and holding onto the ball. He will now become a valuable asset for the Monaco team and Chelsea could be knocking their heads against the wall, wondering how they missed the chance to sign him. Judging from Chelsea's performances over the years, the club has become far too reliant on Eden Hazard to create something special for the team.

The Belgian international is reportedly keen on moving to Real Madrid and if he leaves the club, Sarri would be left with little time to find a suitable replacement. Not signing Golovin is certainly one of the biggest mistakes made by The Blues this summer.

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