So important Chelsea get transfers right this summer – Talk Chelsea

Chelsea are really going through it right now and there are so many issues from top to bottom. But one thing we need to make sure we get right and correct some issues, is the summer transfer activity.

We need to make sure we make it right this summer. First and foremost we need to do that big squad clear out, which seems to be the plan anyway. We have to!

But we also need to make some signings. I’m not saying we need to be spending £100m on a single player, and I don’t even really want to see that anymore anyway as it guarantees you nothing. What I want to see is data-led recruitment and smart scouting. Bring in a player who is already consistently playing well in a top league, and get them in for a lower fee.

Use our scouts, get them to find a player like Kaoru Mitoma at Brighton, who is a fine example of smart recruitment. He was pretty much unheard of before Brighton, and now look at him. I expected us to be moving away from the ‘big names’ as such under this ownership, at least to a certain extent. I knew we would be making some marquee signings and that’s great, but we need to balance that with smart signings.

Let’s bring in a mix of experienced, Premier League proven, and smart gems into this squad going forward. We thought that was the case with David Datro Fofana, but apparently he’s not good enough. So who scouted him and who thought he was good enough to be in our squad right now?

We need to strike that balance of profile between a player who is going to be the next best thing, but is also ready to play in the Premier League right now.

We also need to massively focus on personality and leadership, as well as quality. Get some experience in the spine of our team, i.e goalkeeper, defensive midfielder, and striker. It’s SO important that we get these three positions absolutely spot on this summer, and to be honest, I’d also be seeking Mauricio Pochettino’s input in this. Again, in balance, but I think it’s important to provide him with the tools he wants and give him every chance to succeed here.

We aren’t going to be spending majorly big again this summer, but I want to see some very smart buys. I want them to bring in experience and leadership.

Go and get Declan Rice as your big buy this summer, then back that up with smart signings. It’s imperative we get a leader in the middle of the park now, I cannot emphasise this enough.