With the transfer window closing very soon, Chelsea are running out of time to get their final pieces of business done. On paper, Chelsea’s transfer window looks great. However, on the field, there are still major gaps in the team that need to be filled, and fast. Like every season, Chelsea have found themselves at the centre of numerous rumours regarding several different players. Here is a look at some of the more concrete ones, and just how well they would potentially fit into Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Eyebrows were raised when former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was linked with a move to rival club Chelsea. On the face of it, it looked like a rumour of a stopgap signing that Chelsea would more than likely overpay for. However, when thought about logically, Aubameyang is a player that could solve Chelsea’s problems in front of goal for a season or two. The side is in desperate need of a striker. They need to provide some competition for Kai Havertz, and to quite simply, solve their issue of being unable to convert their chances in front of goal. Aubameyang is a Premier League proven striker and a Premier League golden boot winner. He scored 68 goals in 128 games for Arsenal, but his best stats came from playing under now Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel. When the pair were at Borussia Dortmund together, Aubameyang netted 141 goals in all competitions in 213 appearances, as well as registering 36 assists. It could be argued that at this stage in his career, the manager that will get the best out of the striker is most likely going to be the one he was most successful under. Chelsea are in dire need of a striker who will be able to convert the chances they so often create. Signing a player who has played in the Premier League and who has played under the current manager, solves their current scoring crisis. The price of Aubameyang may prove to be the deciding factor in this transfer though, as Barcelona are currently asking for a lot more than what Chelsea are currently offering. This certainly is a transfer to keep an eye on as the window draws to a close.
Ivan Toney
Ivan Toney to Chelsea. It makes so much sense doesn’t it. A young, Premier League proven striker, with an abundance of talent and so much more to give. Manchester United, Chelsea and Everton have all reportedly shown interest in the goal scorer this season. The Brentford target-man registered 14 goals and 7 assists in his first Premier League season, as well as having a record-breaking season in the Championship in the year Brentford got promoted. At the age of 26, the striker has plenty more in his locker, and his style of play suits Chelsea’s down to an absolute tee. The centre-forward is strong, athletic, and can hold and link up play. As well as this, he has an excellent goal scoring record, and the ability to get on the end of crosses and balls into the box, something that the Blues have an issue with. Of course, he would provide Chelsea with the perfect long-term solution for their team and would more than likely thrive at the West London club. Therefore, this transfer would be the perfect move for the Blues.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Who is the greatest player of all time? That debate Is for another topic. But this man is certainly one of them. Ronaldo is one of the greatest players and goal scorers the sport has ever seen, and at 37 he is still doing it at the highest level. It has been highly publicised that Ronaldo is not happy at his current club, and that he seeks Champions League football. Chelsea are anchoring after a goal scorer, and can give Ronaldo the Champions League football that he craves so much. He provides an excellent option for Chelsea, after scoring 18 goals last season in an injury hampered campaign. Manchester United were lacklustre last season to say the least, but Ronaldo was still a shining star, even at 37. The system Thomas Tuchel plays shouldn’t be an issue for the Portuguese international. Much like Aubameyang, Ronaldo making a move to Stamford Bridge would be a stop gap signing for Chelsea, but it is one that would suit both parties.
Wesley Fofana
Chelsea’s pursuit of Leicester City’s Wesley Fofana has been no secret. Leicester and Chelsea both seem to value the Frenchman very highly. The 21-year-old centre-back has been deemed as one of Europe’s brightest defensive prospects, even picking up Leicester City’s Young Player of the Year award in 2021. The defender has experience playing in both a back 3 and a back 4, which will be music to Thomas Tuchel’s ears. His ability to stand out in a back 3 is a massive bonus for the German coach, as it is the way in which he favours to organise his defence. Chelsea have reportedly had 3 bids rejected by Leicester City, reaching up to the region of £70 million. Chelsea’s ambition to land Fofana’s signature is obvious. He would be an excellent choice and would help build the foundations of Chelsea’s defence for years to come. Chelsea having defenders like Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly at the club would only help Fofana develop and improve further. His talent is undeniable. However, even at 21, the Leicester defender has had his injury issues. With his price tag increasing to over £70 million, spending such money on a player who has had injury woes in his career already, looks like it could be a risk for Chelsea, but it looks like one they are willing to take. He would no doubt be an excellent fit in Thomas Tuchel’s back line, but it remains to be seen whether Chelsea are willing to part with such a substantial amount of money for the France U21 international.
Harry Maguire
It was heavily reported in a surprising turn of events that Chelsea had looked at making a potential move for Manchester United and England’s Harry Maguire. There is no doubt that when called upon for his country, Maguire has performed well at the highest level. However, his career at Manchester United hasn’t been plain sailing. As the club’s captain and main defender, he has been at the centre of criticism over the past few seasons for the team’s poor performances and defensive displays. His individual performances for Manchester United have been below-par considering just how well he can play. Whilst Maguire can be excellent in a back 3 and would more than likely play well for Chelsea but Chelsea could do much better in the market. Signing a 29-year-old English centre-back from a rival club is inevitably going to come with a heavy fee. Not only this but Chelsea already have older centre-halves in the starting team, so they should probably target someone younger to help fill the gap and build their future around.
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