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July 12, 2016


What Do Chelsea Need?  (Sky Sports)

Antonio ConteWe take a look at the ways in which Chelsea need to strengthen in the summer transfer window.

What are the main areas in need of improvement? And who are the possible targets?

We look at Chelsea's ins and outs so far and examine what to expect from Antonio Conte this summer.

Ins

Michy Batshuayi (Marseille, £33.2m).

Major outs

Stipe Perica (Udinese, £3.2m), Charly Musonda (Real Betis, loan), Nathan (Vitesse Arnhem, loan), Lewis Baker (Vitesse Arnhem, loan), Nathan Ake (Bournemouth, loan), Marco Amelia (released).

What they need...

Chelsea have made just one signing so far this summer in striker Batshuayi. Much of the rest of their business will be determined by any more outgoings from Stamford Bridge. Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Pedro are among those linked with moves away.

Should Conte keep his squad intact, refreshing an ageing central defence will be a priority - especially with Kurt Zouma still recovering from a long-term injury - while left-back has also been a problem position in recent seasons, with the likes of Filipe Luis and Baba Rahman failing to fill the boots of Ashley Cole. A central midfielder wouldn't go amiss either after an underwhelming 2015/16 for Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas.

Who are the targets?

Radja Nainggolan has been touted all summer with a move to Chelsea, but the Belgian has insisted he's staying at Roma. Conte could be tempted to return to former club Juventus to swoop for one of their central defenders in Giorgio Chiellini or Leonardo Bonucci or even a move for Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly.

The Blues have also been linked with Leicester midfielder N'Golo Kante, but a move for Alvaro Morata looks unlikely as the Spanish striker appears to be staying at Real Madrid.

Matt Le Tissier's view

"Landing Michy Batshuayi was a big one because they needed more depth in quality up front, while they've already got plenty of cover in midfield.

"However, I think they're still short in the full-back department judging from what we've seen from Baba Rahman, while Branislav Ivanovic is obviously pushing on a bit now and struggled last season. They've got plenty of cover most areas, but for a club of their stature they need it in every position.



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