13 Jul 2018 04:16:24
There is some clarity on what we can expect for next season, a squad featuring Jorginho that's managed by Sarri. Here's my view on a how I see the rest of the window going and how our squad will ultimately shape up.

Out of our three 'star players' (Courtois, Kante and Hazard) that have been linked with an exit it's Courtois that I see leaving this summer. I get it, he wants to spend more time with his kids. If I'm honest I don't rate him, and the massive gap he leaves at his near post, as highly as most do; so I won't be too sad to see him go. I think we'll be linked with real top class goalkeepers, such as Alisson, but will ultimately sign Butland; who we've had previous interest in, is home-grown and a much cheaper option.

I think we'll see David Luiz leave the club and be replaced by Rugani as our new CB. He'll mainly fight it out with Christensen and Rudiger for the two CB roles with Cahill watching on from the outside. I'd like to see Ampadu get a decent loan under his belt before replacing Cahill in the squad next season.

Other than Azpilicueta I do worry about our fullbacks. Alonso isn't good enough defensively to play as a fullback, rather than wingback, and Zapacosta just isn't good enough - a return to Italy beckons for him. Emerson remains a bit of an unknown quantity, under Sarri he could well be our first choice left back for next season though. Poor old Moses will stick around till January, or next summer, before he moves to a team that plays with wingbacks. Keep an eye on the progress of James, Sterling and Da Silva at their respective loans - I expect big things.

Jorginho will prove to be a real coup of a signing. I expect him to dictate play from the middle of the park, it might take him a bit of time to adjust but he's never had anyone like Kante next to him in midfield - that'll be a dream for him! Barkley and Loftus-Cheek will have a decent fight for the third spot in midfield, I'd say RLC has the edge at the moment but an injury free Barkley has the potential to be amazing. Fabregas will likely see his last season out deputising for Jorginho, hopefully Mount has a good year on loan and is ready to replace him in the squad next season. Bakayoko will see a lot of time on the bench this year, but could have an important role to play seeing games out.

I don't think Hazard will sign for Madrid, I think Neymar will move there. Zidane was vocally critical of Madrid not wanting Hazard when he left - has that really changed now? Willian I do see leaving the club, I'm not sure who I see replacing him - maybe Bailey or Zaha? Zaha would probably be my choice. Pedro and, hopefully, Hudson-Odoi left competing for the wide spots.

Are we really interested in Higuain, at his age and after, by his standards, a poor season? I'm not so sure. I'd like to see us sel, Morata and sign a real top class striker - like Icardi, but I actually think we'll stick with what we have as our striking options. Maybe, just maybe, this could be Batshuayi's year.

That would leave our squad for this season looking something like - Butland, Caballero, Blackman, Christensen, Rudiger, Rugani, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Moses, Alonso, Emerson, Jorginho, Kante, RLC, Barkley, Fabregas, Bakayoko, Hazard, Zaha, Pedro, Hudson-Odoi, Morata, Giroud, Batshuayi.

1.) 13 Jul 2018
13 Jul 2018 06:55:16
A fantastic post J and I like your thought process.
I agree with almost everything except for Hazard but I really do hope your right and I’m wrong.

2.) 13 Jul 2018
13 Jul 2018 07:15:25
J. That is a very good post mate. Agree with most of your points. Good read.

3.) 13 Jul 2018
13 Jul 2018 08:18:49
Do like the idea of Zaha joining but worried he would cost a hell of a lot. Any Eds know of any interest from us or elsewhere?

{Ed001's Note - not from Chelsea that I am aware of.}

4.) 13 Jul 2018
13 Jul 2018 08:35:45
I am worried because there is a lot of interest in Kante from really big clubs and signing Jorgino means tripling CDM position with Kante and Bakayoko.

5.) 13 Jul 2018
13 Jul 2018 09:08:19
I agree with a lot of that Zaha would be a great option but probably off the bench. I’d like to see Bailey join he looks like he’s going to be a star and he’s a left footed. The Hudson-Odoi as fourth choice. Alisson is essential if Courtois leaves as he fits the Sarriball type of a keeper who plays out from the back. We should get about 50m for T-Bo so it wouldn’t be much on top. I like Rugani but why waste money in that position when we have Zouma? Christensen and Rudi are quality but none of our CB’s have the physical strength of Zouma.

Willian, Pedro, Fabregas and Drinkwater should be moved on now we can get some really good fees for them. I’d expect them 4 alone to raise us about 140m without selling Courtois. Zappa should also go if there’s interest. Players like Omeruo, Kane, Kalas and Piazon should be moved on as they have no future here.

6.) 13 Jul 2018
13 Jul 2018 09:45:37
Good post J, far better to read something constructive on here as opposed to the usual moans from some of our fellow posters. I think Sarri will only want players who are comfortable on the ball, good in possesion and able to pass with speed of thought. Sadly, that rules out the likes of Zouma who, despite his physical attributes and pace is pretty poor in possesion. Luiz would fit a Sarri team very well as would Cesc. I would love Willian and Hazard to stay but fear 1 if not both will go this Summer but I think RLC will play as one of the 10's behind a striker, probably Higuain. Kante alongside Jorgino and Golivin would be a fantastic 3 man midfield with a back 4 of Azpi at RB, Emerson at LB and Rugani and Rudiger or Christensen at CB.

7.) 13 Jul 2018
13 Jul 2018 14:21:45
TomB - I've decided to only start thinking about a replacement as and when Hazard actually goes. Until then I'm gripping onto hope that he stays.

Antibot - I don't think we'll deploy a holding midfielder in the traditional sense. Jorginho is very much a deep lying playmaker and I see Kante, if we play a system similar to Napoli, as more of a 'disruptor' pressing across the midfield rather than holding in front of the back four.

King Frank and G8 - I don't see Zouma as being technical enough for Sarri's preferred style of football. He'll be a great defender for someone, but I don't think it'll be for us.

8.) 13 Jul 2018
13 Jul 2018 15:18:58
J I will adopt your reasonable approach to Hazard. It will make me a lot happier!
Keep posting mate!