How will the Premier League's Top 5 close the gap on Manchester City?

#4 Chelsea

Leadership decisions to make:

Chelsea's turbulent campaign is likely to see manager Antonio Conte depart the club just a year after winning the Premier League title. If Chelsea decide to sack the Italian, they will have to look for a replacement to provide some stability to the club. Maurizio Sarri, Napoli's manager seems to be the man most likely to step into an uncertain atmosphere at Stamford Bridge. Clarity will be needed on the identity of Chelsea's manager next season before a clear picture of the transfer targets can be formulated

Chelsea skipper Gary Cahill is 32 and is not the first choice centre-back anymore in the back three. Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger are the preferred options with Cahill rotating with Andreas Christensen. Chelsea might decide to permanently hand over the armband to Cesar Azpilicueta, who has deputized ably in his absence.

Players to retain:

1.Eden Hazard has endured a frustrating campaign with the players playing alongside him several notches below him in terms of quality. The likes of Alvaro Morata, Pedro have been extremely disappointing and Chelsea failed to boost their attacking options last year and this lack of ambition might see the Belgian leave the club. Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane are long-term admirers of the talents the little man possesses, and a move to Madrid might be the dream move Hazard might be looking for.

2.Willian has been one of the shining lights of a dismal campaign. The season ended with Willian at loggerheads with his manager Conte. The Brazilian is keen on a stay at Chelsea, but if the manager stays, Willian might decide to move away from the club.

Players to leave

1.With Real Madrid making no progress with the David de Gea deal, Thibaut Courtois has emerged as the next best option. The Belgian keeper has made no secret of his desire to return back to Madrid, though he only played for Atletico Madrid. With Courtois' contract expiring next summer, the club will be keen not to lose him on a free transfer.

2.Alvaro Morata has endured a disappointing season after an explosive start in the Premier League. His struggles in front of goal saw him fall behind new signing Olivier Giroud in January. The Spanish striker would like a move back to Juventus after enduring a torrid first season in England following his £70 million arrival.

3.Tiemoue Bakayoko, Danny Drinkwater and Ross Barkley were signed this season and none of them failed to impress in the opportunities afforded to them. Chelsea will have to decide what needs to be done with them.

Positions to strengthen

1.If Courtois leaves the club, Chelsea will need to buy a top-quality keeper to replace him.

2.Chelsea made a huge effort to sign Alex Sandro from Juventus last summer. However, it went in vain as Chelsea were left without a backup left-back option for Marcos Alonso. Chelsea will need a left-back to keep the Spaniard on his toes.

3.Willian and Eden Hazard are the first-choice wingers in the team. Ruben Loftus-Cheek's arrival after his loan spell will help. But Chelsea would be looking to sign another quality winger as Pedro's spell at Chelsea has been a massive disappointment.

4.Chelsea need to address the situation in the centre-forward position as Alvaro Morata has had a huge struggle and he might look to move away from the Premier League. Olivier Giroud has been impressive since signing from Arsenal in January, but he's not the long-term solution. Providing Mitchy Batshuayi regular game-time might be the way to go as the Belgian was extremely impressive during his loan spell at Dortmund.