Chelsea's THREE summer transfer priorities revealed

James Shearman

• Updated: 4 May 2023 17:33 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea hope to sign a striker, a midfielder and a goalkeeper in the summer transfer window, according to the Evening Standard.

The Blues have identified those positions as areas that need strengthening ahead of next season.

But the club's next manager, likely to be Mauricio Pochettino, will have a say in their recruitment strategy.

MORE: Pochettino could sign 'little Messi' for Chelsea

Former Spurs boss Pochettino is expected to join Chelsea in the summer after a season without a club.

The Argentine was sacked by Paris Saint-Germain a year ago, despite winning the Ligue 1 title.

Many people thought that he would return to Tottenham, where he is still held in high regard, but it seems that he is heading for Stamford Bridge.

He will have a talented squad to work with at the west London club but there are some significant weaknesses.

Chelsea's transfer priorities

Chelsea's horrendous 2022-23 season makes it easy to forget the quality within their squad.

The Blues' struggles have been a result of a lack of cohesion more so than a lack of ability.

So Pochettino's primary focus will be to get them to play like a team rather than a group of individuals.

Having said that, there are limitations to the current group that prevent them from competing for the major honours.

Chelsea have had either Petr Cech or Thibaut Courtois in goal in their five Premier League-winning campaigns.

Neither Kepa Arrizabalaga nor Edouard Mendy are at the level required to help the Blues add a sixth, so a new goalkeeper is a must.

The midfield isn't so much of a weak point but there are rumours that Mateo Kovacic could be on his way out.

And signing a 'number six' would allow record transfer Enzo Fernandez to play slightly further forward.

Arguably the Blues' biggest need is a striker - a world class one, ideally.

But a forward that can score 15 league goals next season would be a significant upgrade on their existing options.