Frank Lampard’s recent foray into the transfer market to strengthen his Chelsea FC side has not gone unnoticed in the footballing world. The Blues coach has been nothing short of rampant in the summer, having already finalized the signings of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech.
However, Lampard is still not in a mood to curb his spending spree with Chelsea FC being linked with moves for Bayern Leverkusen star Kai Havertz and Leicester City’s highly-rated Ben Chilwell. Lampard considers both players to be the final additions to the Blues side that looks certain to be a major title-contender next season.
There is absolutely no doubt that Chelsea FC have received a major boost with all the summer transfer business being orchestrated by Lampard and Blues owner Roman Abramovich. However, the big question is whether the intended squad restoration would be able to take the Blues to greater heights?
The 2019-20 season has seen Frank Lampard’s side perform exceptionally well considering that the London-based Premier League outfit were hit with a transfer ban in 2019. Lampard, who had been hired as the Chelsea FC boss last summer, could not dip into the transfer market to strengthen his side. Instead, the former Chelsea FC player-turned manager had to put his faith into emerging Blues talents like Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, and Reece James.
With the current Premier League season nearing its end, the Blues are on course to seal a Champions League spot for next season. The gamble taken by Lampard of fielding youth prospects in the Chelsea FC first-team squad alongside big names like N’Golo Kante and Willian has paid off handsomely for the Blues coach.
Timo Werner’s arrival would be gladly awaited by the Chelsea FC fanbase. The German striker was a shock signing for the Blues, having been previously linked with a move to Liverpool FC. However, with the 2019-20 Premier League champions opting out of a deal for Werner due to pricing concerns, Lampard swooped in to sign the 24-year old striker.
With an excellent track record in the Bundesliga, Werner will have a lot of expectations riding on his shoulders. The player has been nothing short of terrific for RB Leipzig over the past three seasons. Having scored 28 goals in the 2019-20 Bundesliga campaign for Leipzig, Chelsea FC fans will surely expect Werner to do the same while playing for their side.
On the other hand, Hakim Ziyech has been a major contributor towards Ajax’s recent resurgence in the Eredivisie as well as the Champions League. The Moroccan playmaker was an important part of the Ajax side that reached the semi-finals of the 2018-19 Champions League campaign.
Ziyech’s passing range and dribbling ability would make the 27-year old a treat to watch in the Premier League. The player could be fielded as a winger as well by Lampard; however, the Blues coach would look forward to playing Ziyech in a number 10 role for Chelsea FC.
Lampard’s top priority, however, remains to land Kai Havertz ahead of the start of the new season. The German starlet has been a standout performer for Bayer Leverkusen this season and has indicated that he wants to leave the Bundesliga outfit in the summer. However, the interest of Real Madrid in signing the 21-year old Havertz is a major problem for the Chelsea FC boss.
Chilwell’s transfer is another one of Lampard’s concerns due to Leicester City not budging on their £75 million price tag for the English left-back. The left-back position in the current Blues starting lineup is a major source of worry for both Lampard and the Chelsea FC supporters.
Both Marcos Alonso and Emerson have been inconsistent throughout the season with neither of the full-back’s making the most of opportunities coming their way. As a result, Lampard has made the decision of signing a new left-back, with Chilwell the primary target, and Nicolas Tagliafico and Lucas Digne being considered as cut-price alternatives.
Kepa’s future at Stamford Bridge is doubtful considering Lampard’s decreasing faith in the Spaniard as the Blues’ goalkeeper. Jordan Pickford has been identified as a probable replacement for Kepa, with Valencia FC reported being interested in signing the latter on a two-year loan deal.
The center-back spot in Chelsea FC’s starting lineup has been under the spotlight lately due to unconvincing displays by Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen in recent games. Reports have suggested that the Blues have been looking at Villarreal central defender Pau Torres to partner Antonio Rudiger at the back for the Blues next season. The 23 year old Torres could be a worthy addition to the Chelsea FC squad, having had an impressive season for his side in the 2019-20 La Liga campaign.
It is quite a certain possibility that Lampard will be successful in landing his intended targets for Chelsea FC before the transfer window closes. Havertz and Chilwell will be a very significant addition to the Blues lineup, that has already been bolstered by the arrivals of Werner and Ziyech.
Not to forget, there are excellent talents already at Stamford Bridge in the form of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho. Both midfielders have been in fine form for Chelsea FC this season and have been successful in drawing out opposition attacks through their defensive abilities.
Moreover, Christian Pulisic has rediscovered his form off late after being on the recovery table for a couple of months with injury niggles. The American winger has been on fire for the Blues following the restart of the Premier League, scoring two goals and being a menace to deal with for opposition defenders.
A prospective lineup for the Blues looks something like this as shown below:
A brilliant combination of new arrivals, current players at the club, and Lampard’s transfer targets makes up what could be an extraordinary starting lineup for Chelsea FC.
Certainly, the 2020-21 Premier League title is not out of reach for a new looking Blues side; however, only time will tell whether Lampard’s squad restoration plan was a success or an expensive failure.
