How should Chelsea approach the coming season?

It is that time of the year when Chelsea are linked with all the players fit and available for selection from across the world. From Falcao to Cavani, Hulk to Mangala, there is no limit to the rumours, however illogical they might seem. With the squad strength we have and the quality of players on loan, we really do not need to make any over-the-top signings this year. Here is a look at the things that I feel Chelsea, or the “Happy One”, needs to do in order to top EPL this season.

Lukaku is the answer

With the second highest goals per minute ratio in the Premier League, the chances of him playing for the Blues still remain slim. As per the rumour mill, Jose is looking at Cavani or Hulk as possible striker options. Yes, Cavani is a world class striker but he is being valued at over 50M. The pressures that come along with this price tag is known to all the Blues faithful (read Torres). When we already have a good striker who in 3-4 years could be better than Cavani, there is no need for such a huge investment.

Hulk is a one dimensional player who will definitely not fit into the Chelsea mould.

Lukaku’s physical presence, height, bullish build and ability to hold on to the ball till support arrives make him a suitable, if not the perfect, answer to Chelsea’s striker problems.

This Belgian might just be the next Ivory Coast marksmen.

Please do not sell David Luiz to Barca

His enthusiasm and passion is there for all to see. He may not suit Mourinho’s template of a defender, as his frequent forays forward count against him. But his versatility as a defensive midfielder should be enough to warrant a berth in the starting XI of any club. His ability to read a striker’s intention, pick a neat pass to MAZACAR and those mind-blowing free kicks should make him an ideal candidate to replace John Obi Mikel as CDM. He is leadership material and after Terry, we need a leader with passion similar to his.

Buy a goalkeeper at the twilight of his career

Petr Cech, at 31, is world class and still has a good many years left. Courtois is a young talent who should not be let off to another club. The rumour mill suggests he will be on loan at Atletico for another year and Jamal Blackman is not top class at the moment.

So, Mourinho needs to buy a goalkeeper (who has 2-3 years left in his career) at an optimal cost as back up to Cech. In these 2 years, Courtois would have more experience and would have played Champions League football. When Cech finally retires, Courtois would be battle hardened and ready take on the No.1 shirt.

This approach without any high-profile signings makes us spend less in the transfer market, gives chances to the youngsters and brings much needed stability to the squad. With Mourinho’s man-management skills and a long-term approach, we might knock the Manchester clubs off the top for many years to come.