CHELSEA
Antonio Conte’s Chelsea will need rebuilding, with a couple of high-profile exits expected this summer. The Italian seeks back-up options for most positions and new predators as the Blues prepare for life without Diego Costa.
The other centre-forward, Michy Batshuayi, is unhappy with the way he has been treated. Even when Costa was injured, the Belgian hardly got a look in.
Ahead of next year’s World Cup, the striker wants to clock as much playing time as possible to impress national coach Roberto Martinez. West Ham is reportedly keen to take him on loan.
The exit list, according to the Daily Mirror , also has central midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic. The duo dovetailed wonderfully well at the base of Chelsea’s midfield for most of last season, but there were times in the second half when they looked jaded.
On occasion, Chelsea was exposed when the opposition played behind left-back Marcos Alonso, and Conte will want young legs to cover those spaces.
Eden Hazard’s ankle injury, which will see him miss the start of the season, will need to be accounted for as well.
The Italian also has the cushion of promoting talented youngsters from the academy if he doesn’t land any of the targets.
Reported targets
Romelu Lukaku
24 | Centre-forward
Everton
Market value: €50 million
The Belgian has many of Costa’s attributes – lethal finishing, hold-up play – but lacks the Spaniard’s aggression and ability to run with the ball. Also, he has not yet had the opportunity to confirm that he has the profile to lead a top team for an entire campaign on two fronts.
Verdict: Likely to misfire
Tiemoue Bakayoko
22 | Central midfielder
AS Monaco
Market value: €16 million
A like-for-like replacement for Nemanja Matic. An all-action, combative midfielder who wins the ball back and uses it well. Chelsea can rely on his towering presence and his ability to cover spaces behind the wing-backs.
Verdict: An upgrade
James Rodriguez
25 | Attacking midfielder
Real Madrid
Market value: €50 million
Though the Blues’ high-energy game is unlikely to suit the Colombian, Conte’s infectious energy could bring the best out of him. His passing ability and runs into the box without getting noticed by the defence could help Chelsea.
Verdict: Can reduce Pedro’s burden
Alex Sandro
26 | Left-back
Juventus
Market value: €36 million
A back-up option for Alonso, but could soon become the No.1 left-back for the team. He is sturdy, tackles well and is generally calm and composed in his decision making. A definite advantage for Conte as the Brazilian is used to the 3-5-2 system.
Verdict: Healthy competition for Alonso
Leonardo Bonucci
30 | Centre-back
Juventus
Market value: €45 million
The defender has worked with Conte in Juventus and the Italian national team as well. Tracking an opponent, covering teammates and well-timed challenges have been his strengths, which easily puts Gary Cahill out of the equation.
Verdict: Money well spent
TOTTENHAM
Mauricio Pochettino knows that throwing money at a problem is not always the answer. The Argentine doesn’t bother with big names when identifying targets; his priority is to recruit players who can fit into his system. His targets will be neither little known nor pursued by his competitors.
He also has the knack of identifying and promoting talented academy players. Midfielders Harry Winks and Josh Onomah appear to be the next to establish themselves. There is also excitement around the 17-year-old centre-half, Cameron Carter-Vickers.
The Spurs boss has also shown ruthlessness whenever a player doesn’t fulfil his obligations. Tottenham has shed plenty of unwanted players in the last three years, and this summer the list includes Moussa Sissokho, Victor Janssen, Kevin Wimmer and Kevin Nkoudou.
Three positions still have a question mark over them — a second striker, a playmaker of the calibre of Christian Eriksen, and a right-back since Kyle Walker is expected to leave.
Ross Barkley is an option for the playmaker’s role but the reported €57 million price-tag is a deterrent. Chairman and sharp negotiator Daniel Levy might employ a trick or two to bring in the Englishman as he ticks all the boxes to be a Tottenham player.
Targets
Andre Gray
25 | Centre-forward
Burnley
Market value: €10 million
An upgrade on Janssen, no doubt. He would probably score more than the nine goals he managed last term if supplied by Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Hueng-Min Son. He has the pace to carve open any defence and comes cheap.
Verdict: Useful second fiddle
Ricardo Pereira
23 | Right-back
OGC Nice
Market value: €9 million
He is a utility player who can play at left-back, too. He has improved the defensive side of his game ever since joining Nice on loan from FC Porto. He will fight it out with Kieran Trippier to become the No. 1 right-back.
Verdict: Worthy addition
Source: transfermarkt.com
