Top five players Chelsea should target in summer transfer window

There could be several new arrivals at Stamford Bridge under the new ownership.

Chelsea FC is one of the many clubs that will be active in the summer transfer window. The Blues are set to sign a handful of players after many left on a free transfer at the end of the 2021-22 season. The task of replacing the likes of Antonio Rudiger will be tough while figures like Romelu Lukaku and Christian Pulisic are looking for moves elsewhere. There are plenty of players available in the market that can add more quality to the London-based club.

The challenge of the Premier League keeps the clubs like Chelsea on their toes. Along with teams like Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, they must recruit smartly to put a stop to Liverpool and Manchester City’s domination. There are a few areas Thomas Tuchel will like to address before the 2022-23 season begins.

In particular, Chelsea needs additions in the defensive department. Since a few players have left the club, the gaps will need to be filled. Furthermore, the new owner will have the task of winning the fans’ over by bringing world-class players to the club. As it happens, the club should target the following five players:

5. Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig)

Josko Gvardiol is one of the most promising defenders in Europe at the moment. The 20-year-old has quickly become a top target for several clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and more. He is currently with RB Leipzig and managed two goals with two assists in 28 matches for them in the German Bundesliga.

The Blues are pushing to bring the centre-back to West London as a priority. It will cost around  £100m to land the defender due to his contract length with RB Leipzig, age and quality. Keeping in mind the future of the club and the departures of Rudiger and Christensen, Chelsea could be forced into paying a massive fee for the young defender.

4. Jules Kounde (Sevilla)

Jules Kounde is another defender that Chelsea are looking to recruit. The Blues have kept tabs on the Frenchman for a long time. They made an attempt to bring the defender to the Premier League from La Liga last season but were unsuccessful in the negotiations. The centre-back is a huge prospect and on the transfer list of many elite clubs in Europe. 

Sevilla will ask for a fee close to €65m for their star defender and negotiating a lower price could be difficult. The Spanish club has already sold Diego Carlos and look in no hurry to sell Kounde. Similar to Gvardiol, the 23-year-old is comfortable on the ball, a quality Chelsea are looking for.

3. Declan Rice (West Ham United)

Declan Rice has been on the shopping list for Chelsea for a few years now. The English international is currently with West Ham United. The London-based club has slapped an asking price in the region of £100m on their star midfielder. Seeing Real Madrid shell out a similar fee for another Chelsea target Aurélien Tchouaméni, the Hammers are in a strong position to demand a high fee.

Considering the quality of the player, the new owners could make Declan Rice the most expensive English transfer ever. The 23-year-old will immediately transform Chelsea’s midfield and secure a position for the future with an eye on replacing N’Golo Kante and Jorginho. There is stiff competition for Rice and the blues should secure this deal as soon as possible.

2. Marc Cucurella (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Marc Cucurella had a very successful season with Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. The full-back was very impressive and earned praise from all corners. He is only 23 years old and will certainly thrive at Stamford Bridge, with more quality players and staff. Furthermore, Marcos Alonso is set to leave the club for a move to Spain and Cucurella could be an ideal replacement.

Convincing the Spaniard to join Chelsea won’t be a difficult task. Brighton will ask a lot more in terms of transfer fees than €20m of the player’s market value. Since Cucurella is under contract until 2026, the ball is firmly in the Seagull’s court. However, the blues have new owners and money to spend. 

1. Ousmane Dembele (FC Barcelona)

If reports are to be believed, Ousmane Dembele is very close to joining Chelsea. Despite FC Barcelona’s attempts at convincing the winger to extend his contract, the player is set on leaving for a new challenge. The Blues have emerged as strong favourites to sign the Frenchman on a free transfer in the upcoming transfer window.

Thomas Tuchel admires the player and the club should complete this deal without delay. Christian Pulisic wants to leave CFC for more game time and Dembele could be the perfect replacement at no extra cost. 

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