Top five players Chelsea should target in summer 2023

With the top list departure this summer, there’s room for a lot of new signings at this London based club.

So with a transfer ban now gone past season, what are the Blues doing to do about going back to winning ways? Well, Chelsea will need to get back to winning ways. They hired new manager after Tuchel was relieved of his duties, Graham Potter has been sacked and now Mauricio Pochettino has been appointed to manage the out of rails, Chelsea. The Blues should also sign better players since half of their squad has already left to the Saudi Pro League. So, with that in mind- who will be the Chelsea’s transfer targets, let’s find out.

5. Robert Sanchez (Goalkeeper) – Brighton

According to reports, Chelsea are in talks with Brighton over a summer deal for Robert Sanchez after Mendy has left for his big money move to Saudi. Mauricio Pochettino is looking to strengthen his squad with a new goalkeeper this summer with Arrizabalaga being his first choice, while Chelsea are open to offloading Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Chelsea have already discussed a possible deal with Inter for Andre Onana but the Serie A club wants at least €40 million (£34m) for the 27-year-old, who joined on a free transfer from Ajax last July. The report claims that Brighton will not stand in his way of first-team football at the end of the season. However, it remains to be seen whether the player himself would welcome a move to Stamford Bridge with his current employees on course to qualify for European football.

4. Declan Rice (Midfielder)– West Ham United

The winning captain of the UEFA Conference League 2022-23, West Ham’s Declan Rice is being pursued by Chelsea to improve their defensive and midfield side. Chelsea is trying to rack up cash – £90m plus to be precise – for the 21-year-old midfielder.

Poch is looking to sell Mount in order to be able to buy former Chelsea academy player Declan Rice – and for the Chelsea manager, this seems like a good deal only if they manage to lure him before Arsenal. Chelsea are eyeing the West Ham midfielder for a while and feels like he has good potential to rise at Chelsea, just like his best friend Mason Mount did.

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3. Josko Gvardiol (Defender) – RB Leipzig

Chelsea is still interested in the RB Leipzig center-back, and Josko Gvardiol has admitted he hopes to play in the Premier League someday. The 21-year-old defender, who shone for Croatia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, has long been admired by the Blues. After his exploits in Qatar, many other elite European teams took notice of Gvardiol, and when the 2023 summer transfer window opens in a few months, there may be a lot more competition for his services.

Ever since Gvardiol began playing football for Dinamo Zagreb, Chelsea has kept a close eye on him. However, when Leipzig came calling and offered him a contract in the summer of 2021 for €18.8 million (£16.7 million), the Croatian international felt it was time to leave his hometown club and now he might be on his way to England. However, he will have to miss on European competitions all together.

2. Moises Caicedo (Midfielder) – Brighton

The Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder has enjoyed a stellar campaign as part of Roberto De Zerbi’s side, one that has seen him pop up on the radar of multiple Top six clubs, including Chelsea. The Blues narrowly missed out on acquiring the Ecuador International’s signature during the Winter transfer window, opening up the possibility of a move this summer.

Chelsea’s interest in Caicedo is more than justified as the 21-year-old is essentially the closest match to N’golo Kante as one can find currently. Like the Frenchman, Caicedo covers an awful lot of ground, and he does so with plenty of persistence. Packed full of athleticism and energy, Caicedo lives up to his ‘box-to-box’ label; the midfielder is capable of contributing heavily in both attack and defense.

His tenacity and awareness allow him to cut passing lanes and make crucial interceptions, while his stellar vision and passing range help him penetrate opposition lines with ease. These traits fall perfectly in line with the qualities Mauricio Pochettino demands from his midfielders, and it’s frankly easy to envision him in a midfield pivot with Enzo Fernandez.

1. Dusan Vlahovic (Forward) – Juventus

Dusan Vlahovic made his mark in Europe as a serial goalscorer for Fiorentina in Serie A. During the first half of the 2021-22 campaign Vlahovic bagged 17 goals in 21 matches, prompting Juventus to splurge around €81 million for the Serbian striker during that season’s January window. At Juventus, Vlahovic has not continued the trajectory he was on at Fiorentina. This season with the Bianconeri, he’s scored 10 goals in Serie A in 27 matches, suffering from inconsistency. While Vlahovic’s performances at Juventus have been underwhelming, his style of play does not suit Max Allegri’s side. In addition, the Serbian striker has dealt with injuries throughout the season and is currently nursing a nagging groin injury.

At Chelsea, a manager of Mauricio Pochettino’s style can surely can the best out of Vlahovic, similar to how he developed Harry Kane. Vlahovic’s attributes fits the profile of striker that the Premier League demands. He is tall standing at 6’3 but yet surprisingly agile with and without the ball, while retaining the physicality to scrap with defenders and finish under pressure. Sometimes he can be too agitated and rushed in his striking but with some polishing Vlahovic does present himself as an ideal candidate to be Chelsea’s No.9 next season.

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