Finally, the saga of Chelsea’s new ownership has been settled, with the Clearlake group/Todd Boehly taking over from sanctioned Roman Abramovich. With Antonio Rudiger already departed and Andreas Christensen, Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azplicueta, amongst others, seemingly on their way, we will surely see some new faces at Stamford Bridge. The defence will need to be one of the first areas addressed. Levi Colwill and Conor Gallagher seem nailed-on to join up with Thomas Tuchel’s squad. It will be challenging to fix every need at Chelsea. Last Word on Football takes a look at Chelsea’s key transfer targets.
Chelsea’s Key Transfer Targets
Declan Rice
Declan Rice continues to be linked with a move away from West Ham United – and Thomas Tuchel has reportedly sung the praises of the England International. He was released from Chelsea at 14 after spending seven years in the Chelsea academy. Rice then joined West Ham and progressed through their academy before making his debut against Burnley on the final day of the 2016/17 season.
Chelsea had plenty of bodies in midfield last season, but it felt they were lacking in quality in the central midfield area. Rice would make a massive impact at Chelsea. At just 23-years-old, he would bring leadership to the Chelsea squad, which they lost through Rudiger and will lose more with the protein departure of Azpilcueta.
His intelligence on and off the ball is outstanding and his reading of the game is one of his best assets. When you watch Rice play, he makes countless inceptions every game. His ability to read what an opposition player is going to do is superb. Rice would bring consistency to the Chelsea midfield. He would shoulder some of the defensive work – often solely performed by N’Golo Kante.
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Once he makes the interception, what he does next is equally impressive. His balance, poise and passing accuracy allow him to recycle the ball so well and keep possession – prompting his team to transition quickly from defending to attacking. His intelligence on and off the ball means he would provide Chelsea with solid protection in front of the defence.
Declan Rice is an accomplished tackler who is difficult to beat in a one-on-one. As mentioned earlier, his reading of the game is exceptional, often helping him break up vital attacks. The breaking up of attacks also highlights his intelligence with the ball. No matter what formation Tuchel moves forward with, Rice is one of Chelsea’s key transfer targets. If Clearlake can pull this one off, it will undoubtedly qualify as a huge statement signing by the new owners.
Jules Kounde
Chelsea have once again been heavily linked with Sevilla and French international defender Jules Kounde.
Sevilla club director Jose Maria Cruz de Andres has conceded they are fighting a losing battle to keep Kounde. With Rudiger having left and more departures seemingly on the cards, an upgrade in defence is a priority for Chelsea. Levi Colwill will have a chance to impress Tuchel in pre-season, but according to reports, Jules Konde is a priority for Chelsea.
He reads the game very well, which helps him time his tackles brilliantly, and is comfortable stepping out of defence and intercepting dangerous attacks allowing his teammates to launch attacks. Having Kounde with his skillset would upgrade the Chelsea defence instantly.
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He’s comfortable with the ball at his feet and rarely looks rushed in possession. Many people have expressed a worry about Kounde’s lack of height but he can win a duel on the floor or in the air. Franco Baresi, one of the world’s greatest defenders, was smaller than Kounde, and his height never hindered him. Watching him at Sevilla, he’s won plenty of defensive headers.
He will offer an immediate upgrade in defence for Chelsea. Some defenders coming into the Premier League from abroad try to overplay too much but this shouldn’t be an issue for Kounde. He does the basics of defending very well – clearing the danger quickly and appropriately. He’s comfortable on the ball and often starts attacks when he steps out of defence to intercept opposition passes. Kounde is clearly one of Chelsea’s key transfer targets.
Gabriel Jesus
The last player of the three we are looking at is Gabriel Jesus. According to reports, Gabriel Jesus’s agent has confirmed exit talks. Jesus offers any potential suitor versatility in attack. He can play as an out and out number 9, out wide or as a false 9. With Romelu Lukaku heading toward the Stamford Bridge exit, Chelsea seem sure to bring in a striker and Jesus fits the bill, according to reports.
Jesus is impressive with the ball at his feet. He’s direct, with good balance making him a nightmare to mark. His superb balance and acceleration mean he can receive the ball on the half-turn – drop a shoulder and skate away from his marker. His close control is impressive, which has seen him chop many defenders and leave them floundering. He is adept at dropping into pockets of space and linking up with his teammates. When he finds these pockets, he’s a nightmare to mark. He can link up with teammates – or drive at the opposition defence.
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Gabriel Jesus has performed well in the Premier League with 58 goals in 159 games. He knows where the goal is but his all-round game and versatility will appeal most to Tuchel with the seemingly inevitable departure of Lukaku.
The Future
2021/22 was a tough season for all connected with Chelsea. Roman Abramovich had to sell the club following sanctions, which has bought a new era under ownership by the Clearlake group. It will be challenging to address every need in one window, but reports suggest Tuchel – will be given significant funds to improve the Chelsea squad. It promises to be a busy summer at Stamford Bridge.
