The Hard Tackle takes a look at three relegated players who Chelsea can target in the ongoing transfer window.
A pivotal summer transfer window awaits Chelsea, who endured a difficult 2022/23 campaign that saw them flirting more with relegation rather than their usual modus operandi of securing a top-four finish.
In a campaign that was characterised by changes in personnel on and off the field, the Blues were underwhelming on all fronts. Perhaps unexpectedly, this has led to a summer cull with several out of favour and senior stars making their way out.
The biggest departures have come in the midfield, with Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and N’Golo Kante moving to Manchester City, Manchester United and Al Ittihad, respectively. Utility man Ruben Loftus-Cheek has also moved to AC Milan, while Tiemouye Bakayoko has been released, further reducing the options at Mauricio Pochettino’s disposal.
The attack has benefitted from the arrivals of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson. But Kai Havertz has left for Arsenal, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is Marseille bound. Christian Pulisic has moved to AC Milan, while Hakim Ziyech and Romelu Lukaku continue to be on the chopping block. Joao Felix, meanwhile, has returned to Atletico Madrid with no return to Stamford Bridge on the cards.
The defence too has lost a fair amount of experience, with Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Cesar Azpilicueta all parting ways. With Wesley Fofana potentially dealing with a season-ending injury, it is clear that reinforcements are needed at the back.
There is little doubt that the Blues need serious reinforcements all along the squad. While they do have several talented young players eager to make an impression, it is questionable if they are ready to challenge for major trophies just yet.
Under Todd Boehly, Chelsea have shown themselves eager to splash the cash. While big-money signings are a norm, there is also value available in raiding Premier League clubs who have endured the disappointment of relegation.
Leeds United, Southampton and Leicester City all have players who could do a job for Chelsea. The Hard Tackle takes a look at three such stars the Blues can make a move for this summer.
Romeo Lavia (Southampton)
The Belgian sensation is arguably the best player available for the Blues to make a move for this summer, from amongst the relegated sides. Just 19, Lavia showed himself to be a capable competition in the Premier League and stood out in what was an abject campaign for the Saints.
A solid reader of the game with the ability to carry the ball forward, Lavia is a long-term prospect who would settle in well at Stamford Bridge. Under Todd Boehly, the Blues have shown a propensity to garner youth talents and the Belgian fits the criteria well.
At 19, he is far from the finished article and can be a long-term addition to the Chelsea midfield. Partnering him alongside Enzo Fernandez should give Pochettino a solid base in the middle of the park around which he can build a winning team.
The Belgian will also bring in energy and a presence in midfield who can help win back the ball. Pochettino could very well use the teenager in the Mousa Dembele role as he plots to rebuild the club’s prestige and standing in the game.
Lavia is also attracting attention from Liverpool and Arsenal, both of whom are in a position to offer him European football next season. He will not come cheap either, with Southampton holding out for £50 million in transfer fee. Given that the Blues are struggling to find common ground with Brighton & Hove Albion over Moises Caicedo, Lavia could prove to be a more than adequate replacement.
Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
The Leicester City veteran is not young by any means but has shown himself to be a solid goalscorer in the Premier League for several years.
At 36, the Englishman is nearing the end of what has been a sensational career and could yet have another season in the top flight left in him. Chelsea are need a goalscorer and Vardy definitely knows his way around the penalty box.
With Lukaku expected to follow Aubameyang out of the club this summer, the Blues lack a reliable goalscorer who can make a difference at the top. Jackson and Armando Broja are still raw and could do with guidance. Vardy can not just act as a senior figure but also help mentor the younger talents coming through.
Chelsea have been linked with several top strikers like Randal Kolo Muani, Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen among others. However, with just under a month to go before the season opener against Liverpool, they are no closer to bringing in an infallible goalscorer.
None of the aforementioned players are likely to come cheap either, putting a giant dent in the Blues’ ability to reinforce other more pressing areas of the squad. Signing Vardy is likely to be cost-effective and should serve as a short-term solution until the summer of 2024. His record of 170 goals and 68 assists in 307 top-flight appearances speaks for itself.
This should give the club enough time to hold talks with their ideal targets and fashion a transfer for next summer. Given the lack of European football and the price involved, it is unlikely that a big-name forward in his prime will give up greener pastures and move to Stamford Bridge this time around.
Not only will Chelsea get an experienced head who will be well aware of his responsibilities but also one who in the heyday of his career has been offered the opportunity to play for a top club. Surely, it is a risk worth taking for Todd Boehly and co.
Illian Meslier (Leeds United)
Chelsea are yet to bring in a senior goalkeeper despite Edouard Mendy’s departure. And as things stand, will go into the 2023/24 season with Kepa Arrizabalaga as their number one.
The Spaniard is, for all intents and purposes, the most expensive goalkeeper in the history of the game. However, little evidence of that has been on show at Stamford Bridge with him continuing to flounder despite being given a new lease of life.
Just 23, Meslier is a long-term solution to the club’s goalkeeping woes and could prove to be an inspired acquisition this summer. A solid shot-stopper who is capable of making quick decisions, Meslier has been given plenty of practice in one on one situations having played behind a leaky Leeds backline.
A move to London will certainly come with improved expectations, and he will certainly need to step up his game. This is especially true when it comes to his decision-making on crosses and his ability to make pinpoint passes. His positioning and reflex are, however, on point and there is enough in his tank for the Chelsea staff to work with.
Pochettino worked with another French ace Hugo Lloris at Tottenham and helped develop him into one of the best in world football. Surely, he can repeat the trick with Meslier. The youngster has kept 21 clean sheets in 107 Premier League appearances for Leeds, a respectable number given the Peacocks’ poor defence. He will certainly elevate his game behind a capable backline.
The horrendous season at Elland Road has more or less taken the sheen off Meslier’s talent. So the time is now ripe for Chelsea to pounce and secure the 23-year-old’s signing. He is, after all, only bound to get better with age and experience.
