Chelsea endured a slow start to the summer transfer window but picked up pace in recent weeks, bringing in Tiemoue Bakayoko, Antonio Rudiger and Alvaro Morata to join fellow new recruit Willy Caballero, who arrived on a free transfer early on in the season.
The three major recruits significantly bolster Chelsea’s first-choice XI this season but one criticism is that Antonio Conte has failed to strengthen the depth at his disposal, following the losses of Nathaniel Chalaboh, Nathan Ake, John Terry and Asmir Begovic.
Nemanja Matic and Diego Costa are also expected to be on the move before the summer transfer window slams shut at the end of August and it leaves Chelsea’s options in certain areas looking particularly slim- with central midfield being a major concern.
N’Golo Kante and his French compatriot Bakayoko are likely to be the first-choice central midfield pairing for Chelsea this season but depth in that area is lacking, with only Cesc Fabregas capable of providing competition- and there has previously been speculation on the Spaniard’s future at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea must therefore look to add further recruits to provide additional competitiveness to their squad, especially as the Blues are set for a return to the Champions League this season, and securing a loan move for Bayern Munich’s Renato Sanches could be the perfect option.
The 19-year-old Euro 2016 winner endured a difficult debut season at Bayern Munich following a high-profile transfer to Bavaria last summer and Carlo Ancelotti’s side are prepared to accept a departure for the teenager, though it’s only likely to be a short-term deal.
Renato Sanches has impressed on the pre-season tour for Ancelotti’s side, scoring in the 3-2 victory against Chelsea, and the Blues could provide the ideal platform for the talented midfielder to rekindle his form without the pressure upon his shoulders last season.
The young Portuguese midfielder has also been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United as he was reported to be a serious target for the Old Trafford side when he first signed for Bayern last summer and he also the recipient of rumours again this summer. So it looks like Chelsea will have to bid against their old manager Jose Mourinho if they want to acquire the starlet.
By moving to Stamford Bridge, Sanches would benefit by learning from Antonio Conte and he could become a crucial asset for the Blues as the season progresses- particularly when the games are coming in thick and fast due to matches in the Premier League and on the European stage.
A deal would also not be costly due to Bayern’s willingness to do business, and the fact it’s a loan deal, and it could open the door for a potential permanent move later down the line- although that’s not something Chelsea should be thinking about immediately.