Chelsea turned their rebuilding into hyperdrive this summer, spending more than £ 200million to add some of Europe’s top talent to their squad.
Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech, Thiago Silva and Edouard Mendy have all moved to Stamford Bridge, and while the Blues definitely look better this season than last, there is still work to be done.
Let’s take a look at some moves Chelsea need to make in January.
With injuries hitting Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi in recent weeks, Chelsea’s actual lack of depth has been seriously exposed.
Christian Pulisic is the only other natural winger on the team, and just because Timo Werner and Kai Havertz can playing there doesn’t mean they should.
Chelsea don’t need a new starter, but they do need someone who can fill in if necessary to make sure the squad are not so exhausted when injuries arise.
No one can really replace N’Golo Kante, but Chelsea have literally nobody capable of replacing the French.
Jorginho is the closest thing, and while he’s not the worst defender, he’s not the kind of guy you would gladly give defensive responsibilities to.
The Blues are targeting Declan Rice for obvious reasons, but if the West Ham man isn’t available in January. Chelsea need a short term solution. Frank Lampard’s team are just one injury away from collapsing.
Chelsea currently have three left-backs on the books at Ben Chilwell, Marcos Alonso and Emerson, but there’s a good chance Chilwell will be the only one of the trio still at the club by the time we arrive in February.
It’s clear neither Alonso nor Emerson are in Bridge’s long-term plans, so Lampard has to find someone who is. Again, they don’t need to be elite, but someone who can act as a substitute if Chilwell needs a rest.
Cesar Azpilicueta can do a good job if needed, but he’s not a natural left-back and shouldn’t be relied on to cover both sides of the defense.
If Chelsea accomplish just one thing in January, they must fire center-back Fikayo Tomori on loan.
The 23-year-old is so far out in the cold that it’s almost difficult to see him, and that’s obviously not ideal for a player who many believe is the future of Chelsea’s defense.
He needs playing time, and that means a loan. Just do it.
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