It was an abysmal season for defending Premier League champions Chelsea, as they failed to live up to the expectations not only in the domestic top flight but also in other European competitions.
Taking Chelsea’s League campaign into consideration, it’s quite logical to think that the Blues’ need to sign a couple of new players in the upcoming transfer window to rejuvenate their title ambitions ahead of next season.
There are two ways Chelsea’s exploits in the transfer window could pan out; new boss Antonio Conte may opt for a squad overhaul if he feels that the current bunch of players aren’t capable of launching a viable title challenge.
Alternatively, he could decide to make minimal changes only to reshuffle a couple of areas in the team.
Conte is an excellent tactician as seen in his previous stints with Juventus and the Italian national team.
The Italian tactician’s managerial approach is very similar to that of Jose Mourinho, but man-management is an area which distinguishes him from the Special One.
There’s a lot of talk going on about Conte’s preferred style of play after the Italian boss has hinted at the possibility of using the 4-2-4 formation which brought him some positive results during his stint at Bari.
However, the intended formation and style of play needs extremely competent players to make it work. So, let’s have a look at Chelsea’s top transfer targets this summer.
Antoine Griezmann
Griezmann was on Chelsea’s radar during the January transfer window, but their interest in the talismanic striker failed to materialise into a bid.
With Conte advocating his new tactical philosophy in the English top flight, Griezmann could be one of the main focal points for Chelsea if they manage to lure him from Atletico.
Playing a 4-2-4 formation involves a couple of attackers performing defensive duties to thwart any impending threats from the opponents.
Griezmann is no stranger to tracking back because Atletico’s system demands players to help out in defence as well as performing their natural duties, which is why Diego Simeone has one of the tightest defensive set-ups in Europe at the moment.
Griezmann is already accustomed to the style of play Conte will most likely introduce at Stamford Bridge. There’s no doubt that he’ll be a perfect fit for the Blues if they manage to sign him.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Almost every top team in Europe is keen on signing Ibrahimovic at the moment. The Swede is set to leave PSG after another stellar season with the oil-rich club.
PSG secured another Ligue 1 title this season with Zlatan playing a significant role in their domestic triumph although Ibrahimovic was unable to steer them to the Champions League final. But lest we forget, winning the Champions League isn’t a one man job.
Ibrahimovic is undoubtedly one of the greatest strikers to have ever graced the football pitch, and he’s one of those players who never seem to lose their touch.
He’s never played in the Premier League before and with his career seemingly going into its final phase he could opt for a move to London if contract negotiations go smoothly.
Radija Nainggolan
Signing Nainggolan would be an interesting piece of business for the Blues as the Roma midfielder impressed in the Serie A throughout the season.
He’s apparently on top of Chelsea’s priority list regarding midfield. Although, there’s also a lot of uncertainty attached to the interest in Nainggolan.
Nainggolan doesn’t seem too keen to leave Rome for a side which is currently not in the Champions League, but a lucrative contract could lure the talented midfielder to Stamford Bridge.
Cesc Fabregas will most likely partner up with Nainggolan if Chelsea manages to strike a deal with Roma for his services. While Fabregas is more of a creative minded midfielder, Nainggolan thrives more as a Box-to-Box midfielder who does most of the toiling in the middle of the park.
There’s a massive rebuilding job set to begin at Stamford Bridge as Conte is keen on getting the Blues back to the pinnacle of English football during his first season at the helm.
It remains to be seen whether a complete overhaul will take place at Chelsea this summer. But at the moment, the club’s management is keen on strengthening the squad by bringing a couple of players into the fray.