Chelsea have endured a less-than-ideal start to the season, but a closer look at the underlying statistics suggests that there might be brighter days ahead for the Blues.
While their primary goal is undoubtedly a return to the Champions League places, Chelsea currently find themselves sitting 10th in the Premier League table, having secured just 15 points from 11 games.
The eight-time European champions are trailing the top four by nine points, and despite the feel-good nature of Monday’s night win against Tottenham, the prospect of bridging that gap appears more challenging with each passing matchday.
Much of their underperformance this season can be attributed to the failings of the hierarchy in the transfer market, having spent over £1 billion yet failing to build a competitive team.
Changing transfer strategies can be a reasonable course of action, but Chelsea’s struggle has been rooted in the inability to make smart market decisions, and they are now grappling with the consequences.
A large chunk of the budget has gone down the drain, yet Pochettino doesn’t have a world-class or even competent striker to lead the line, while the Blues still need a couple of options on the flanks.
Plans are already in place to address these issues in the January market, but clubs are always reluctant to sanction mid-season deals for their best players.
Nonetheless, we have identified three players we believe Chelsea should target in the next summer transfer window.
These additions have the potential to make an immediate impact at Stamford Bridge, significantly raising the quality of Pochettino’s side, especially in the final third, where they have struggled this term.
Takefusa Kubo
Chelsea’s long-standing need for a forward who excels in both goalscoring and chance creation could potentially be met by Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo.
The 22-year-old has been in sensational form for Imanol Alguacil’s side this season, notching five goals and three assists in 14 appearances across all competitions, predominantly featuring as a right winger.
While his assist tally may appear modest, Kubo has proven to be a vital creative force for Sociedad, crafting seven big chances while averaging two key passes per 90.
In comparison, Conor Gallagher was Chelsea’s most influential creator last season, contributing five big chances and has already produced four this season, ranking second only to Cole Palmer with five.
Kubo’s addition has the potential to elevate Chelsea’s final-third prowess by providing a plethora of goalscoring opportunities, offering a promising solution to their scoring woes.
Xavi Simons
After taking the Eredivisie by storm, notching 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 games, Xavi Simons is having an identical effect in his early days in the Bundesliga.
On loan at RB Leipzig, the 20-year-old has been nothing short of impressive, registering four goals and seven assists in 16 appearances, showcasing his versatility as both a goalscorer and a creator.
Simons is proficient at featuring in a number of attacking positions and is capable of leading the line when required, a role where he made a name for himself at PSV Eindhoven.
The Netherlands international has also created four big chances for Leipzig in ten Bundesliga appearances, and his addition will represent a major coup for Chelsea.
Viktor Gyokeres
Whether Chelsea’s new policy will accommodate the acquisition of a 25-year-old remains to be seen, but Viktor Gyokeres could be the permanent solution to their goalscoring woes.
The Swedish striker has been on a goalscoring spree for Sporting CP this season despite only joining the Portuguese giants during the summer transfer window.
Gyokeres has already clocked up six goals and four assists in nine Liga Portugal games, extending his goalscoring record to 11 in 13 appearances across all competitions.
His conversion rate is equally impressive, considering he has only missed one big chance in the league while creating two for his teammates.
Before joining Sporting, Gyokeres notched 22 goals and 12 assists in 50 games for Coventry City and has shown no signs of slowing down in the Portuguese top flight.
He could be a cost-effective option in a highly inflated market, presenting a more budget-friendly alternative to Brentford’s £100m-rated Ivan Toney, who has been linked with a move to West London.
Additional target
Adam Wharton
Adam Wharton has been enjoying a remarkable season in the Championship, sparking discussions about whether he has outgrown Blackburn Rovers, meaning a summer exit could be on the cards.
Considering Chelsea’s penchant for snapping up emerging talents from across the globe, the Blues should be analysing the 19-year-old wonderkid ahead of a possible summer move.
Wharton caught the eye in Blackburn’s Carabao Cup defeat to Chelsea, recording a 78% pass accuracy while completing seven of his ten attempted long balls.
The youngster also demonstrated his tenacity on the field by emerging victorious in five out of seven ground duels and contributing with three interceptions and four tackles, highlighting his well-rounded skill set.
While Wharton could struggle to secure a spot in Pochettino’s star-studded midfield, his addition would undoubtedly enhance squad depth and bring an extra dose of quality to the team.
