FanPost

Chelsea squad outlook for second half of 2016-17 season and beyond

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In a transfer window where the Premier League made a net profit for the first time, it's understandable that the heavy-hitters weren't involved in big acquisitions. Much like the rest of the top six there were no new first team purchases for Chelsea, but instead a few loan recalls to round out the squad. With the transfer window now closed (slammed shut, even), and presumably our last outgoing player now departed, we look at the squad from now until the summer.

Squad Breakdown

2016-17 chelsea squad

Obviously the big addition to the squad is Nathan Aké, who rejoined after hitting his stride with loan-club Bournemouth. His versatility has been well-documented, and it was apparent this past weekend as he played two different positions during the course of the match. Having multi-functionality is an invaluable part of being a useful squad player. A desperate late £18m bid from Bournemouth for Aké was declined, even, further highlighting his importance in Conte's plans.

Two more fresh faces around Cobham are Kenedy and Charly Musonda. Both had returned to the club before the window opened due to injuries, but now both find themselves back in the team for at least the rest of this season*. It will be interesting to see where they fit in, specifically Kenedy (who came on as a left wingback in the FA Cup match against Brentford).

*There is speculation that Kenedy would be allowed to play if loaned back to Brazil due to their opposite season schedule, circumventing the two-club per season FIFA rule.

With no additional goalkeeper secured, Asmir Begović will see out the rest of the season with Chelsea. His case will be reopened in the summer, where we can assess our options for a new backup goalkeeper (preferably homegrown).

A Brief Look Forward

There are certainly areas to improve to prepare for European conquests next season, and as such, it is widely expected that Chelsea will be big players when the transfer window reopens. Chelsea have four foreign slots currently open following the departures of Oscar, Mikel, and Branislav Ivanović. It is likely this will be increased to five slots, as presumably Eduardo is either not re-signed nor registered. This gives Emenalo and the board plenty of flexibility to bring in top quality players. Instead of focusing on prospective transfer targets, I turn my eye to loanees and players Chelsea already have.

It is expected that Andreas Christensen will return to Chelsea in the summer, following his two year development in Germany. Still just 20 years old, his integration into the squad would be a boon for academy-developed players making the jump to the first team. And with John Terry likely not resuming a playing role next season, this move could be seen as a proverbial passing of the torch. Christensen will likely still qualify as U21 next season, but has already fulfilled the requirements for homegrown and club-trained status (in the Premier League and Europe, respectively). This is an advantage that players like Christensen, Aké, Musonda, and Boga have over the likes of Kenedy and Traoré.

Begović will be leaving, and there is no shortage of quality homegrown options for a backup keeper. Aké will no longer be U21, likely bringing Chelsea's homegrown numbers up to seven — Evil Foreign Chelsea™ — and there are more on the way. In terms of non-homegrown loanees, a good season might bring a chance for a player like Marco van Ginkel, and I would have said the same for Baba Rahman before his unfortunate knee injury.

With plans to bring in talent from both inside the club and out, the near future under Antonio Conte looks increasingly bright. Having a Premier League title in-hand before our squad reaches its full potential is a tantalizing prospect. And one that underlines the immediate impact the dynamic Italian manager has had with the club. Long may it continue.

Forza Chelsea

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