Chelsea have enjoyed a successful season this term but Antonio Conte’s side face a battle this summer, as he seeks to strengthen his squad for the defence of their Premier League title next season and their return to the Champions League.

The Blues’ ranks this season have lacked significant depth, which could become a major issue next term when Conte’s side return to involvement in continental competitions, and major additions are necessary in the close-season.

However, Chelsea will have to deal with potential departures as well as strengthening their squad and the Blues need to avoid one reported deal- with Arsenal reportedly eyeing a summer swoop for Blues youngster Tammy Abraham.

The Sun claims Arsenal are eyeing a summer swoop for the 18-year-old forward, following his excellent campaign in the Championship with Bristol City- where he scored 23 goals for the lowly-placed second-tier outfit.

Following his excellent season, Abraham is eyeing a place in Chelsea’s first-team squad and is reportedly set to push for an exit if he doesn’t get his wish, which is a major concern for Chelsea- especially as both Diego Costa and Michy Batshuayi have been linked with summer exits.

John Terry’s departure this summer means the Blues lack a top-class academy graduate within their squad and fans will be keen for a home-grown hero at Stamford Bridge, which Abraham has the potential to become if he gets first-team opportunities.

Whilst Chelsea may not be able to offer first-team assurances next season, the Blues need to ensure they don’t sell to arch-rivals Arsenal as it would send the wrong message to their contingent of young stars spread across Europe.

Chelsea’s loan policy has widely been criticised and the Blues are now under pressure to prove the benefits of their actions, as the West London side have thus far failed to hand a breakthrough to young players within the squad.

Losing Abraham would be a major blow, especially after the teenager’s starring season, and selling to Arsenal would certainly come back to haunt them, as the Gunners are renowned for handing opportunities to youngsters and could bleed Abraham into the side immediately.

Keeping Abraham at the club will be a challenge and the best course of action would likely see the teenager loaned out once again next season, this time to a Premier League club- which would hand Abraham the opportunity to prove himself at this level.

Impressing in the Championship and continuing that form into the Premier League is a difficult task for a young player, as shown by Patrick Bamford’s struggles since his excelling season with Middlesbrough, and Chelsea need to find stability for Abraham.

Whatever happens with the young talent, he cannot be sold to Arsenal.