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As underwhelming as the domestic campaign was, Chelsea ended the 2020-21 season at the summit of Europe. It was a considerable overachievement despite their star-studded recruitment in the summer of 2020 with the likes of Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Thiago Silva. However, as the club learned harshly in their 2013 defence of the Champions League crown, staying atop the peak is a completely different challenge from climbing it.
Chopping and changing, the Chelsea way
Change is the only constant in Chelsea's way of life, and this summer will bring opportunities to enhance an already talented squad of players brimming with both youth and experience. In this article we look at some of the top players on Chelsea's radar for the summer transfer window.
#5 Adama Traore, Wolverhampton Wanderers
Thomas Tuchel’s three at the back system has created a necessity for versatile wingbacks. As age catches up with Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James makes the shift to a wide centre-back role, the Blues are in the market for a right-footed wingback. They recently failed in their pursuit of Achraf Hakimi, now of Paris Saint Germain.
As a physical and pacy powerhouse, 25-year-old former Barcelona speedster Traore presents a dynamic and direct alternative as a marauding right wingback. The Wolves man also provides extra versatility as he can play as an attacking inside forward.
Fabrizo Romano and Matt Law suggest the ongoing pursuit of the current Wolverhampton star presents Chelsea with an opportunity to add a tried and tested Premier League player. He could add vital squad depth for what is sure to be an arduous and imposing campaign.
#4 Eduardo Camavinga, Rennes
The 18-year-old Camavinga, having come up against Chelsea in the Champions League, presents a profile in line with the club’s recruitment policy of signing exciting and emerging European talent.
Some might argue that the addition of the newly capped French starlet would complicate an already bloated attacking midfield. However, others anticipate the Rennes midfielder will blossom into one of the most talented midfield dynamos of the next generation. Chelsea would be foolish not to place their hat amongst an array of suitors from Europe’s biggest clubs.
Club legend and director Petr Cech is said to be a ‘huge fan’ of Camavinga. Reports suggest the director is directly involved in negotiations with his former team Rennes over a deal to sign the player. The club will be hoping Cech can replicate the success of the Eduoard Mendy transfer.
#3 Raphael Varane, Real Madrid
Still only 28-years-old, the four-time Champions League and World Cup winner is reportedly on the verge of leaving Real Madrid. At the Bernabeu, the French international established himself as one of Europe’s finest centre-backs of the last decade.
While Chelsea are spoilt for riches in the outstandingly sold defensive department, signing Varane would represent a vital piece of squad building for the coming seasons.
With both veterans Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta likely in their last seasons with Chelsea, there exists a gap that needs resolving. Especially after the seemingly short-sighted decision to sell the talented Fikayo Tomori to AC Milan.
Varane’s astute reading of the game, combined with his guile and comfort on the ball, will provide an excellent solution and fortify Thomas Tuchel’s three-man defence for the coming years.
#2 Declan Rice, West Ham United
The England and West Ham midfielder has long been on Chelsea's radar, with former manager Frank Lampard pushing heavily to bring the once Chelsea starlet home. Rice's impeccably tidy and disciplined displays in the West Ham and England shirts have established him as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League.
While the Kante-Jorghino axis has reigned supreme, the contribution of the prodigious Billy Gilmour will be missed due to the decision to send him out on loan for the 2021-22 campaign.
With Mateo Kovacic more renowned for his dribbling and agility, Rice would serve as an important defensive and industrious option to anchor a midfield that seems understaffed at the moment.
The England international is versatile and could comfortably slot in at centre-back. Given his history with the club and close personal relationship with Mason Mount, a reunion would sound irresistible unless Rice's heroics at the European Championships have outpriced his services.
#1 Erling Haaland, Borussia Dortmund
The subject of the loudest transfer speculation in Europe this summer, Borussia Dortmund’s striker has been courted for months by the hierarchy at Chelsea.
Over the last season, Haaland has terrorised defences with his remarkable physical prowess, pace and power, plundering 41 goals along with the Champions League Golden Boot. A move for the 2020 Golden Boy winner also makes commercial sense as it would see the club welcome one of football’s newest global superstars.
With Olivier Giroud heading towards an exit despite a contract extension, Chelsea desperately need a clinical and physically commanding forward to compliment the speed of Timo Werner and the finesse of Kai Havertz.
There are many concerns that need resolving, not the very least the price tag Borussia Dortmund would demand for their most prized asset. Nevertheless, Marina Granovskaia and the Chelsea board can be trusted to be astute negotiators in securing the star signing.
