Chelsea’s transfer business has so far been based on high profile signings with Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner on their way to Stamford Bridge.
The pair will offer world-class options in multiple attacking areas and continued links with Kai Havertz of Bayer Leverkusen suggest the Blues might not yet be done on a summer of spending.
Past the high profile names, though, could be several players worth looking at this summer. Liverpool proved just how valuable signing a relegated player can be with Andy Robertson joining the club back in 2017 - the Scotland international has since gone on to become one of the world’s best left-backs.
At this moment in time, Norwich City look likely to be joined by Aston Villa and Bournemouth in relegation to the Championship.
Therefore, Chelsea could do well to sign a player from each of the aforementioned sides for a cheaper price than the likes of Ziyech, Werner and Havertz.
Below, we outline three relegation-bound players the Blues could sign this summer.
John McGinn (Aston Villa)
The Scotland international has endured a stop-start season for Dean Smith’s side but has shown promising flashes of being able to thrive at the top level.
His ability to progress the ball into key attacking areas hasn’t been shown at its full potential in the Premier League but an unexpected move to Chelsea could change that.
It remains to be seen how much Villa would demand for the midfielder but it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that McGinn has qualities to offer for the Blues.
In a transfer window that has already linked Chelsea to high profile names, a move for more affordable options to boost ranks elsewhere might be a wise move.
Nathan Ake (Bournemouth)
For all of Bournemouth’s struggles this season, former Chelsea defender Ake has been a shining light yet again.
The likelihood of him returning to Stamford Bridge is perhaps in doubt but links to Manchester City illustrate just how highly rated the Dutchman is amongst Europe’s elite clubs.
Chelsea’s continued links with attacking players in the upcoming window could lead to an imbalance between defence and attack. Therefore, investing in some defensive options might be a wise idea.
In terms of defenders that look set to be relegated, there are few better options than the 25-year-old centre back to choose from.
Emiliano Buendia (Norwich City)
Similar to McGinn, Buendia may be viewed as an option if Chelsea are looking to add depth through midfield areas.
The Argentine has been impressive during his debut Premier League campaign and looks set to earn himself a Premier League move.
From a tactical perspective, fitting Buendia into a 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 system is probably harder than other systems given that he tends to operate in wide areas as an advanced midfielder.
Nevertheless, his creativity in attack throughout an otherwise inconsistent campaign shows the midfielder to be a really promising talent and one that might be able to make that step up in the future.
