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King of the hill. It's a game most of us played as a child, with the objective being remain at the top of the hill for the longest, but more importantly, when the game concludes.
The characteristics that identify this game, is the nature in which everyone targets the king. Once at the top, you're the most targeted person in the game until you're knocked off the pedestal.
Chelsea are the king of the hill in England right now. They were there the longest and at the end. And they were there without much of a struggle from their closest challengers.
What does this mean for Chelsea next season? It means that everyone is gunning for the Blues next season. And the Blues have to be ready.
Last season, Chelsea had a good season. They performed well, fought hard, and ultimately were a couple tough breaks away from squeaking out a victory. That being said, they went into the summer, and boy did they retool.
They bought reinforcements in the form of Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas, Filipe Luis, Loic Remy and Didier Drogba. And what a difference it made for the West Londoners. The Blues looked formidable, much better than last season, and ultimately they finished as Champions.
But they would be ignorant to think their challengers won't go back to the drawing board this summer, and purchase reinforcements. And they will do so in waves. Next season won't be as easy for Mourinho's men. If they are to keep their place at the top of the Premier League, they need to make changes and upgrades this summer as well.
These reinforcements can come in several positions. First and foremost we need a third striker. The Blues have been linked with Radamel Falcao. And should they be able to obtain him at a good price this is a strong move.
Secondly, the Blues need an upgrade in the CAM position, as it seems that Oscar isn't consistent enough to shoulder the burden for the entire season. Players like Tottenham's Christian Eriksen and Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann would fit this role nicely and offer an immediate impact in the Blues lineup.
Furthermore, the Blues could also do with reinforcing their defensive midfielders as Ramires and John Obi Mikel seem less and less effective as their Chelsea careers progress. An option for replacement could be Paul Pogba, but more likely the promotion of Loftus-Cheek and the purchase of a player of lesser calibre player is the more likely, possibly Southampton's Schneiderlin.
The Blues would also do well to secure the signature of Raphael Varane this offseason, but it isn't necessary. Cahill, Terry and Zouma are more than capable of holding down the center.
Finally, the Blues will also need a new backup goalkeeper, as we expect the departure of longtime servant, Petr Cech. A man like QPR's Robert Green wouldn't be a bad option for Courtois's backup.
The Blues shouldn't be hasty in the summer either. And with Mourinho at the helm, and considering Chelsea's current transfer policy, I wouldn't expect them to be. That being said, the Blues need to add the right pieces to the puzzle, in order to maintain their domestic dominance and compete further internationally.
This summer is vital for the Blues results in the next few seasons, and they must seize their moment.
