This summer could be one of the biggest in recent history at Chelsea. Following a period of existential crisis and ownership concerns, the Blues now have to tackle the challenge presented to them in their playing squad.
While there are obvious worries surrounding the backline after a few key losses, the attacking ranks are also a concern. Club-record signing Romelu Lukaku failed to hit the heights, but still ended last season as top scorer across all competitions.
The Belgian has since left for Inter Milan on loan, while a number of other forwards are linked with a move away from the west London outfit. Thomas Tuchel has the tough job of selecting the right players after the Lukaku deal, especially as the new owners are unlikely to fund many unsuccessful transfers for the long-term.
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It means the German coach, with help from Todd Boehly, has to make the right decision. With that said, football.london takes a look at the options linked and who may be the best fit.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Chelsea have been linked with a move for Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo following talks between Boehly and agent Jorge Mendes. The Portugal international is also said to be open to a transfer this summer if an appropriate bid is received.
While the 37-year-old scored 24 goals last season for the Red Devils, the team had to work through him rather than as a system, something that wouldn’t suit how Tuchel would set his team up. Add to that his high wages at the club as well as his age and it may be one that should be avoided as an option.
Robert Lewandowski
The Blues have also been linked with Robert Lewandowski as the Polish striker admitted his desire to make the move away from Bayern Munich with just one-year remaining on his contract. While he is 33-years-old, his profile matches closely with the type of forward Tuchel could require.
Lewandowski is comfortable as a lone striker, and able to score anywhere around the box when given the opportunity. The overall play wouldn’t have to go through him either, which would suit a system based approach better than the likes of Ronaldo.
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling is a player that appears close to making a move to Chelsea this window to help bolster the attacking line. While the England international has often been used out wide at club level, he is also able to play through the middle when required.
This would, however, likely require him to have bodies around him to play off of, meaning it would be tough to play as a lone striker in Tuchel’s system.
Kai Havertz
Perhaps the answer to the striker dilemma is already within the squad, rather than the need to seemingly find another player with a huge price tag. Kai Havertz could very much be the solution for Tuchel.
The German is still only 23-years-old and has provided some big moments in a Chelsea shirt, but lacks the consistency required so far. That said, it has often been a problem for the whole squad when it comes to attacking input.
The likes of Sterling and Raphinha have fantastic one-on-one ability and could isolate defenders and create space, something lacking from the current squad, which may create better opportunities for someone like Havertz.
His stature and physical build suits that of the Premier League and he has shown he can have great composure in the key moments. It could mean he is actually the answer to the problem, with signings elsewhere able to improve the system.
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