Chelsea: What to do to challenge for the title next season

Back the manager in the transfer market

Whoever is in the dugout next season deserves to have the board’s full backing in the transfer market this summer.

One of Conte’s biggest gripes over the last year was Chelsea’s performance in the transfer market. Looking back at their activity, it is not hard to sympathize with the Italian. Out went Diego Costa, the Spanish forward falling afoul of his manager. Nemanja Matic was sold to a direct rival in Manchester United.

Young squad players like Michy Batshuayi, Nathan Ake, Nathaniel Chalobah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Kenedy, Bertrand Traore and Kurt Zouma have all been sold or loaned out, robbing the squad of depth.

In came Tiemoue Bakayoko, who has failed to impress. Alvaro Morata, who cooled off after a fast start. Ross Barkley has barely been fit enough to see the pitch. Danny Drinkwater has done little more than warm the bench. Davide Zappacosta and Emerson have been given limited game time since their arrivals in January.

The only new signings that have established themselves in the team have been Antonio Rudiger and Olivier Giroud.

Conte’s unhappiness with the transfer dealings is well documented. The Italian has repeatedly distanced himself from the club’s transfer policy, which has largely been conducted by the board. The loss of Michael Emenalo, the longtime director of the club’s transfer policy, has not helped matters.

Whoever is in charge of the club needs to be given the leeway to sign players that they feel will fit their style. It is the job of the board to do everything they can to back the manager in the transfer market.