Any Chelsea fan who thinks they’re able to mount a critical Premier League title problem got a dose of actuality on Wednesday night time as their aspect stumbled to defeat at West Ham.
The sport completed 3-2 and from a Blues perspective it was a horror present in defence with all of the objectives they conceded in opposition to the relegation-threatened aspect elevating query marks about their again line.
Getty Photographs – Getty
Former Blues defender Jason Cundy blasted the ‘pathetic’ efforts of Frank Lampard’s males, claiming they ‘received what they deserved’ on the London Stadium.
He mentioned on The Sports activities Bar: “We had been pathetic. Actually, I’m so disenchanted in what I noticed. Nothing.
“We’ve received what we deserved, we’ve received what we deserved immediately. I’m sorry, it was a poor show.
“Over 90 minutes, West Ham scored 4 objectives – though one was disallowed – Chelsea scored two, and two set-pieces.
“Nothing was created in open play, that’s gonna disappoint Frank.”
Jason Cundy slams Chelsea’s efficiency in opposition to West Ham
Creativity shouldn’t be a difficulty sooner or later with forwards Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner to start their Chelsea careers subsequent season.
Nonetheless, frailties on the again are a giant concern and it should enhance if they’ve any hopes of difficult for the title in 2020/21.
They’ve been closely linked with West Ham’s Declan Rice, a defensive midfielder who can play as a centre-back, this summer time. However what out-and-out centre-backs may Lampard contemplate to make a bid for within the upcoming window?
talkSPORT.com has picked seven gamers Chelsea may attempt to recruit to shore issues up in defence.
Nathan Ake
Like so a lot of Chelsea’s proficient academy gamers who by no means received a correct probability at proving themselves for the primary workforce, Ake left Stamford Bridge in pursuit of standard soccer.
He joined Bournemouth on a everlasting deal in 2017 and his high quality type led to rumours of a transfer again to west London, whereas Manchester Metropolis had been additionally linked to him.
And with the Cherries staring on the prospect of relegation this season, Ake looks like one of many many gamers who can be searching for a brand new membership in the summertime. You get the sense the Dutchman can have a degree to show if he returns to Chelsea.
getty
Diego Carlos
One other potential candidate to hitch Chelsea is Sevilla man Carlos, who is ready to determine on his future with the LaLiga membership on the finish of the season.
The Athletic has shortlisted the Brazilian as one participant who may remedy Chelsea’s defensive frailties however Liverpool have been linked with him too.
He gained’t come low-cost as he’s underneath contract till 2024 however that might work into Chelsea’s favour. They’re clearly keen to spend cash this summer time, having pinched Werner off the Reds, who appear reluctant to splash the money proper now.
Getty Photographs – Getty
Kalidou Koulibaly
Signal this man and Chelsea can be sorted. Anybody who’s anybody needs to get their fingers on Koulibaly.
The Napoli star, 29, is valued at £90m, in keeping with the most recent studies. Nonetheless, one of many favourites to signal the Senegalese ace are Liverpool and as talked about, Jurgen Klopp appears reluctant to spend cash this summer time.
It could most likely require a document switch charge for a defender to signal him however his acquisition may catapult Chelsea into being real title contenders.
Getty Photographs – Getty
Dayot Upamecano
Nonetheless, maybe a extra clever funding can be French youth worldwide Upamecano, who’s simply 21 years outdated.
He at the moment performs for RB Leipzig, the German membership Chelsea purchased Werner off.
The French youth worldwide could be very extremely rated and may very well be out there for a comparatively low-cost value as his contract expires subsequent summer time.
Chelsea should get their skates on in the event that they do need him because the studies say that he’s anticipated to signal a contract extension.
AFP
Caglar Soyuncu
Leicester followers gained’t need to hear this however they’re a promoting membership.
Since they gained the Premier League in 2016 they’ve bought key gamers (N’Golo Kante, Danny Drinkwater, Riyad Mahrez and Harry Maguire), albeit for good costs.
The Foxes have been in dreadful type for the reason that restart and in the event that they’re not cautious, they’ll fail to qualify for subsequent season’s Champions League after which there’s an enormous danger they’ll lose a few of their stars.
Chelsea are nonetheless in a very good place to qualify regardless of the West Ham defeat and Soyuncu, 24, boasts a variety of qualities together with his pace, aerial prowess and the aggression that Chelsea’s defence lacks.
Getty Photographs – Getty
Lewis Dunk
With the best respect to Brighton, there are higher choices on the market for a 28-year-old Dunk within the peak years of his profession.
There will definitely be a possibility to buy him on a budget if the Seagulls get relegated, having reportedly valued him at £50million when Chelsea had been linked to him in January.
Ray Parlour has urged his former membership Arsenal to signal Dunk however Chelsea can be a much more interesting possibility.
AFP – Getty
Jan Vertonghen
A pleasant and controversial one to complete!
Vertonghen is a Tottenham participant till the top of the season however after his contract expires on July 31 he’s up for grabs.
He could also be 33 years outdated, so as soon as once more Chelsea must return on their normal coverage of not signing gamers aged 30 or over, however he can nonetheless do a job.
The very fact he’ll be out there on a free is an added bonus for a membership that has already spent over £80m this summer time.
AFP or licensors
