Chelsea’s transfer window so far has been frustrating for fans, as the Blues currently stand as the only side within the Premier League’s established big four yet to make a big signing in the transfer market and Antonio Conte’s side are now under pressure to do so, especially with Nemanja Matic and Diego Costa closing in on an exit taking them away from the Premier League champions.
The Blues have been relatively slow on the market thus far and they could be made to pay for their delays in getting deals across the line, with the latest reports suggesting Manchester United have taken the lead in the chase for the services of Everton striker Romelu Lukaku- a move which would hand Chelsea a massive blow.
Antonio Conte is understandably reported to be growing increasingly frustrated at his sides inability to get deals over the line and the Blues now need to support their Italian boss in every way they possibly can, which means spending the necessary money to land top targets like Lukaku, Juventus full-back Alex Sandro and Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.
That trio have long been mentioned as Chelsea’s prime targets for the summer transfer window and each of the recruits is crucial to the Blues’ Premier League title defence and return to the Champions League, especially as the squad currently lacks significant depth that could be exposed by Chelsea’s campaign in Europe’s elite competition.
The biggest concern for Chelsea though is the growing reports that Antonio Conte could walk away from Stamford Bridge, with it not being the first-time that this has been suggested, so Roman Abramovich needs to do everything within his power to retain the services of the former Juventus and Italy boss- as losing him would be a massive blow.
Conte not only got Chelsea back to their best last season, after a woeful defence of their Premier League title the year before, but he also led to an evolution within English football as numerous clubs now mimic Chelsea’s successful three-man defensive line- including London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, the latter of whom defeated Chelsea in the FA Cup final in Wembley.
That’s significant as a similar impact has not been seen since Jose Mourinho’s first spell at Stamford Bridge, with the previous evolution of the Premier League before that coming upon Arsene Wenger’s move to Arsenal in the mid-1990’s.
Not only is Conte crucial to Chelsea, the Italian is also an important figure within the Premier League and he helps to see English football continue towards their claim of being the best league in the world.