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Defence
Ivanovic and Azpilicueta are probably the strongest and stringiest pair of full backs around in world football. With Ivanovic in his early 30’s and Azpilicueta in his 20’s , Chelsea seem to be covered in these positions for at least a couple of years. But there is a huge question mark on the backups available to Chelsea. With Filipe Luis finding it difficult to take to the Premier league in a way his Atletico team-mate Costa did, Mourinho seems to be ever so reluctant to rest either of his first choice full backs.
With Christensen and Ake both set to be farmed out on loan this time around, a backup fullback seems due. Rumours suggest that Chelsea are interested in signing Abdul Rahman Baba, the Ghanian left back who plays for German side Augsburg is said to be valued at £20m by the club.
John Terry enjoyed one of the best campaigns in his career at the ripe old age of 34. His defensive partner Gary Cahill was shaky at best in spells this season and lost his place in the squad for a few matches to Kurt Zouma the French wonder kid who has been very impressive since he made a switch to Chelsea from St. Etienne.
Looking at the waning powers of Terry it is necessary that Chelsea sign a centre back. Raphael Varane being linked ever since Mourinho moved but that move always seemed unlikely and one that would cost a lot of money. With Ramos now linked with an exit from Madrid this move won’t ever see the light of the day.
With the agent of the Stuttgart defender Antonio Rudiger claiming interest from Chelsea before adding he would prefer to stay in Germany the only target who does seem viable is Everton’s John Stones. The 20-year old has been tipped for big things in football and would definitely not come cheap as the club seems to value him at around £20Million.
But with Lukaku and Atsu being allowed to move to Everton in recent seasons, it can oil the wheels a little and if Chelsea can match the valuation of the Toffees and sweeten the deal further by including one of their many loan stars as part exchange.
Midfield
Matic and Fabregas are perfect foils for each other. But with Mikel reportedly moving away and Ramires with his kidney problem a backup midfielder could be a priority. With Mourinho opting to play a 4-3-3 against big teams and the inconsistent form of Oscar, a central midfielder who can also play behind the striker is where Chelsea should be looking to invest.
With Mourinho publicly staking his reputation on coming good on his promise to integrate one or two of his promising youngsters, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Isaiah Brown may be the ideal solution. With the manager heavily criticising Loftus-Cheek in a pre-season match just emphasises the high regard to which Mourinho holds him, considering the fact that he doesn’t feel the need to explain his demands to players he feels doesn’t fit in the picture, with Mata and De Bruyne being examples.
Wide attacking berths seem settled as Hazard and Willian who played brightly last season and Cuadrado having just shined at the Copa would be hoping to carry on his form this season. Oscar who started the season in blistering form is finally having a full pre-season since moving to Chelsea will be hoping to capitalise on his fitness after much-needed rest.
Forwards
Diego Costa got himself 22 goals last season. Loic Remy when fit showed that he could do the job for the Blues whenever he made it into the line-up. Didier Drogba wasn’t as effective as in his younger days but he still made himself count by scoring crucial goals at vital junctures in the season.
With Drogba moving on, and Remy attracting strong interest from the likes of West-Ham, Chelsea need a couple of strikers. Falcao has completed a loan move from Monaco and Mourinho is hoping to return the world-class striker to his best. Patrick Bamford had a successful season last year being named as the Championship Player of the Year and would hope to remain at Stamford Bridge in the event of Remy moving on.
Bertrand Traore, another youngster who Mourinho holds in the highest of regards has finally fulfilled his work-permit criteria and he may well be the backup striker in the squad come next season.
