TRANSFER ANALYSIS: CHELSEA

The shrill blast of the final whistle at Stamford Bridge could not have come at a better time for Chelsea players and fans alike. An end to what has been a nightmare of a season with conflicts from various sectors of the club. The transfer season will allow Roman Abramovich to restore his beloved Chelsea back among the top dogs in the league and so has already started his business early.

ARRIVALS

ANTONIO CONTE

Stamford Bridge has been a busy place this summer with Antonio Conte being their major signing. A man tasked to lead the Chelsea troops to battle and restore them to their former greatness. He was instrumental in leading a relatively weak Italy side to the quarter-finals of the last European Championships beating highly-fancied Belgium, knocking out holders and favourites Spain as well as pushing World Champions Germany to the limit before losing on penalties. He is also a three-time Serie A winner so his pedigree is unquestionable. He brings a hardworking ethic and some fire to the Chelsea side (spark to inferno?!). He is known for his 3-5-2 setup but is known switch to a 4-4-2, 5-3-2, 4-5-1 and 4-3-3 setups to suit the opponents and the conditions in an ongoing game. Such tactical flexibility is what Chelsea will need to break down opponents and hit opponents on the break. His passion will also come to the fore in the heated clashes and get the Stamford Bridge fans behind the team during tough times.

MICHY BATSHUAYI

Nicknamed the next Drogba, Batshuayi has really big shoes to fill. His 22-goal haul for Marseille in all competitions last season was a shining light in the darkness and uncertainty that surrounded the Stade Velodrome. His willingness to move around for the ball will be a good foil for Diego Costa if he stays at the Bridge for the coming season. He also has the ability to be a good target man and hold the ball up for his teammates. His success or failure in London will depend on how well he fits into Conte's tactical setup. His price tag will put a bit of pressure on him but all in all a decent signing for the Blues.

N'GOLO KANTE

"70% of the Earth is covered by water. The other 30% is covered by Kante". Undoubtedly the best player in the Premier League last season, Chelsea seems to have finally found an heir to Claude Makelele. A tireless runner and great reader of the game not forgetting is decent tackling ability, Kante will prove to be a good foil for Fabregas . Also, his ability to intercept and break down opponents' attacks will help Chelsea when they are on the backfoot. The 25-year-old Frenchman is the personification of hard work and he teaming up with Conte is a match made in heaven.

The return of several loanees will bloat the squad but also allow Conte assess players like Cuadrado, Marin, and Chalobah among many others.

DEPARTURES

MOHAMMED SALAH

After his transfer, Momo Salah has failed to impress in London which led to successive loans at Fiorentina and Roma with the capital side taking up the option to permanently sign him. Very few will miss him as Chelsea have more than enough options for the right wing position in the form of Willian, Pedro and the returning Victor Moses. Juan Cuadrado with his versatility can seamlessly fit into that position leaving the Egyptian with no option than to leave the Bridge for 15 million Euros.

After failing to impress the coaching staff at Stamford Bridge Croatian under 19 forward Stipe Perica has joined Serie A side Udinese for 4 million Euros a move that suits both parties and reduces the names on the payroll.

The departures of flops Alexandre Pato and Falcao will reduce a seemingly bloated squad and wage bill. Nathan Aké, Tomás Kalas, and Jeremie Boga have so far left the club on loan to Bournemouth, Fulham, and Granada to get some game time and aid their development. Marco Amelia is out of contract and out of the Bridge but has expressed interest in working with Conte so we may still see him but as things stand he's a free agent.

VERDICT

 The Blues have been cautious on the market this time round as they seek to make the necessary signings to correct the problematic areas in the squad. Using one preseason game to judge the squad will be unwise as most first team players are still on a holiday. A good center back is needed to solve their defensive woes to complete a good transfer period. With the right signings, Conte with time will make Chelsea champions again.

Up to You Roman.