Here are your Chelsea morning headlines for Thursday, 13 August.
Jan Oblak transfer update
Chelsea are in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer, with Frank Lampard said to have grown tired of Kepa Arrizabalaga’s poor form between the posts.
The most expensive goalkeeper in the world made many costly mistakes across the 2019/20 season, to the point that veteran deputy Willy Caballero replaced him in the side.
The Blues have been linked with Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid, who is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. However, if Enrique Cerezo, the club’s president, is to be believed, Chelsea will have to search elsewhere for a new custodian.
“Life has shown us things and I am convinced that Jan Oblak will continue to play at Atletico,” he said.
Chelsea’s defensive issues analysed
Kepa’s poor form wasn’t the only issue for Chelsea at the back end of the pitch, even if it was the most glaring problem.
Whether the Spaniard had performed well or not, the team’s defence was undoubtedly culpable for part of the Blues’ poor defensive record too.
Chelsea conceded 54 league goals in total, the most of any team in the top half of the Premier League. It was also the most the club have allowed since the 1996/97 season.
With that in mind, fans will hope Chelsea seek reinforcements in defence before the new campaign gets under way.
We’ve taken a look at the underlying numbers from this season to see where the defensive issues lay.
Dream XI for 2020/21
Chelsea continue to be linked with Kai Havertz, the Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder who reportedly wants to move to west London.
There are transfer rumours involving the defensive end of the team too. Ben Chilwell is one player who remains rumoured to be potentially moving to Stamford Bridge.
But if Lampard is able to conduct all of the business he is hoping to, which players will form part of his first choice starting XI next season?
We’ve taken a shot at naming the side, just in case Frank needs a hand. It certainly looks to be a very exciting line-up.
