Too many attackers or embarrassment of riches?published at 08:13 British Summer Time
Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesSupporters of other clubs might well be thinking ‘not another Chelsea transfer’ or ‘not another striker’.
The Blues have again moved aggressively and decisively in the current transfer window to add two more forwards in Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro, having also signed Liam Delap from Ipswich in a £30m deal.
It looks like Chelsea are stockpiling more talent having spent around £170m on young players this summer, including Portuguese midfielder Dario Essugo and French defender Mamadou Sarr.
However, the Blues believe there is space for all the attackers to thrive, especially in a season where they will return to the Champions League following this lucrative Club World Cup campaign.
Joao Pedro’s arrival is expected to spark an exit for Frenchman Christopher Nkunku as they are two similar types of versatile forward.
Meanwhile, Gittens will replace Jadon Sancho, who returned to Manchester United for a £5m penalty fee following his recent loan spell, with Mykhailo Mudryk still provisionally suspended after failing a drugs test.
Delap, 22, bolsters an attack that lacked a suitable option when Nicolas Jackson was unavailable, while England international Noni Madueke could also be moved on following the arrival of 18-year-old Brazilian Estevao Willian from Palmeiras.
Having done a lot of deals already, sources say Chelsea will now slow their activity on incomings and focus on the difficult task of player sales.
The one weakness with this approach is clubs interested in their fringe or wantaway players could try to force cheaper deals.
Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling, Armando Broja and Carney Chukwuemeka are not with the squad in America and set to be offloaded too.
However, it would be unfair to say Chelsea don’t have a plan and their embarrassment of riches in attack is something their supporters can be pleased about as they pursue success next season.
