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In this transfer window, Chelsea has been one of the clubs constantly mentioned on the news for one reason or other, mainly for the sacking of Antonio Conte and appointment of Maurizio Sarri as well as the futures of some of their star players.
Although it is normal for players to come and go, Chelsea needs to hold onto these five players if they are to qualify at least for the Champions League this time around.
#5 Olivier Giroud
Oliver Giroud may not be regarded as one of the most valuable players on this current Chelsea roster, but he should still be a crucial player for Chelsea under Sarri.
The World Cup winner's experience, strength, height, and physicality makes him a proper target man, this has helped him win matches for Arsenal and Chelsea in the past after coming on as a substitute.
The current Chelsea gaffer Sarri prefers to play free flowing attacking football, but there will be situations when opposing teams will be compact and this free flowing football might not help, in those times Chelsea will need a target man to whom balls can be delivered within the box.
The Frenchman can become a focal point of Chelsea's attack, and he is a proper bench specialist who knows how to win games by coming off the bench, thus it will be wise for Chelsea to keep him.
#4 Kurt Zouma
Kurt Zouma was signed by Chelsea in the winter transfer window of 2014, and since then he has won two Premier League titles and one Carabao Cup. He was a regular starter for Chelsea before he picked up an injury and became a part of Chelsea's loan army.
Still only 23, Zouma spent last season on loan with Stoke City where he was impressive despite Stoke City's relegation.
The former Saint Etienne defender is 6'3 inches tall, blessed with plenty of pace, an impressive physique, and he has the experience of playing at the top because he has made 71 appearances for Chelsea so far.
The Blues are not willing to spend a lot in this transfer market, thus he would be like a quality addition to the squad. He is very comfortable with the ball at his feet, a trait which Sarri would love to see in his Chelsea defenders.
All stats via transfermarkt
#3 Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is one of the most promising youngsters to ever come through Chelsea's youth ranks, his performances for the English national team and on loan at Crystal Palace are a testament to that.
The youngster is only 22 years old and clearly his best days are ahead of him. Recently he was given the number 12 jersey previously worn by John Obi Mikel.
The English international has a unique skill-set, he has an athletic physique, 6'3 inches height and is very good with the ball at his feet. The youngster is capable of creating chances with his passing and dribbling abilities.
Sarri's system should suit him well, and this could be his breakthrough year. Loftus-Cheek seems like a player who is ready to take the next step in his career, and it also seems like the right time for Chelsea to give their prized asset the chance he deserves.
#2 Eden Hazard
The Belgian international is the jewel in Chelsea's crown and during his six year stay at Stamford Bridge he has won 2 Premier League titles, 1 Europa League, 1 FA Cup and 1 League Cup.
The former Lille winger is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world and he is very much capable of winning trophies single-handedly.
He has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but Chelsea must do all they can to convince the Belgian to stay put because with him they are guaranteed to win trophies. Last season when Chelsea was so poor and inconsistent, Hazard managed to lead them to an FA Cup triumph.
With Sarri's system coming to Chelsea, Hazard could finally enjoy the freedom of playing in an attacking setup, and if Hazard is at his best it could only mean trophies for Chelsea.
#1 N'Golo Kante
N'Golo Kante is undoubtedly the best defensive midfielder in the world right now, and after his heroics in the World Cup he has become hot property in the transfer market as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and PSG have been linked to him.
The Frenchman is deployed as a defensive protection to Chelsea's back-line and he has been consistently and effectively excelling in that role.
The former Leicester City midfielder covers a lot of ground, and it always looks like Chelsea are not playing with eleven men but twelve when he is on the pitch. Such is the quality of the World Cup winner.
Last season, in his absence Chelsea struggled a lot as their defense did not have the usual protection from Kante. At the age of 27 Kante is very close to peak form and Chelsea must keep him if they want to challenge for major honors.
