Roman Abramovich isn’t messing about in the transfer market – and Chelsea fans are ecstatic.
Frank Lampard has already sealed deals for attackers Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner ahead of next season and there are murmurings around Stamford Bridge that the club’s billionaire has returned to ‘ruin football’ once again.
Other moves for other top names in Europe have been mooted, including for Bayer Leverkusen’s attacking midfielder Kai Havertz, who can also play out wide.
One position in Chelsea’s squad, however, does not need strengthening; central midfield.
The Blues have too many players in that position, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mason Mount, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Billy Gilmour, Mateo Kovacic and Ross Barkley all capable.
And as Lampard prepares set to set his team out against a rampant Man City side on Thursday evening, we at talkSPORT.com have asked: what is Chelsea’s best midfield and who should be shown the door this summer?
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N’Golo Kante or Jorginho
It’s common knowledge that on top form and without injury, Kante is without doubt Chelsea’s best midfielder and arguably the only world class player at the club.
The World Cup winner is relentless and dogged in defence but has been used on the right side of a three in recent seasons to accommodate Jorginho.
A host of pundits believe the Italian’s deployment in the holding role has reduced the effectiveness of Kante – and Lampard must himself wonder if that is worth doing.
But Jorginho is also most effective as the sole central midfielder who dictates the tempo of the game with his passing.
So who do Chelsea sacrifice, Kante or Jorginho? The former is nearly 30 and is now picking up injuries which will be a concern.
He will not be short of any takers if he is put up for sale, with reports suggesting PSG and Real Madrid would love to bring him to their clubs.
However, whilst Jorginho has improved significantly this season, he doesn’t have the same influence as Kante when he is on top form.
Verdict
Chelsea look so much stronger as a defensive unit when they have Kante in the holding role and he should be kept at all costs.
Therefore, the club must cut ties with Jorginho despite his undeniable qualities on the ball.
Juventus and Maurizio Sarri are reportedly ready to make a bid for Jorginho and Lampard must think about accepting the offer.
The main man
Having struggled in his first season at Stamford Bridge, Mateo Kovacic has been Chelsea’s best performer this season and has come on leaps and bounds under Lampard’s stewardship.
He is indisputably the first name on the team sheet and the driving force of Blues’ midfield, transitioning the ball from defence to attack with ease.
At just 26 years old and with a wealth of club and international experience to his name, he could be a key figure for the Blues in the years to come as Lampard seeks to build a dynasty in west London.
Verdict
Keep at all costs. Chelsea will be counting their blessings Lampard took the risk to sign the Croatia international permanently after his disappointing first season at the club.
Star of the future
Perhaps the main story of Chelsea’s season so far has been the influx of several brilliant youngsters and Billy Gilmour has been one of the most impressive of the bunch.
The little Scot starred against Liverpool in a Man of the Match display in the FA Cup prior to football’s suspension and followed that up with another superb performance against Everton.
He didn’t seem to put a foot wrong in either match and the fact he is only 19 makes him a frighteningly good prospect for Chelsea in the future.
Verdict
Lampard must nurture the teenager but not rush him into the fold as a starter too quickly.
He has the perfect mentors at the club to teach him the best qualities in defence and could be the perfect man to take over from Kante or Jorginho if either leave the club.
Now or never
Chelsea fans were rightfully furious last season when Ruben Loftus-Cheek was ruled out for 12 months with an achilles tendon injury in a post-season friendly.
He didn’t have his best game in the victory against Aston Villa at the weekend but he is a force to be reckoned with when fully fit and could cement the third spot in the midfield alongside Kante and Kovacic.
Verdict
Chelsea must give Loftus-Cheek a serious run in the starting XI to prove his worth to the club.
His career has been riddled with injury niggles so far and if they continue to crop up, Lampard may have no choice but to part ways with the Englishman.
Squad player
Mason Mount has been another star of Lampard’s new look Chelsea and his versatility has proven to be a huge plus for the fresh-faced manager.
The 21-year-old can be used as a central midfielder, out wide or in the No.10 position and six goals and five assists in his debut Premier League campaign is extremely promising.
Mount is certainly most comfortable as a No.10 but next season Chelsea’s new arrivals in attack could see him become a brilliant back-up option.
Verdict
Mount could get better and better with each passing game and the youngster will hopefully improve when summer signings push the England playmaker to up his game even more.
He is also a clear favourite of Lampard’s and will remain at the club for a long time.
Time to go?
Despite impressing in bursts this season, Ross Barkley has been a disappointment since his £15m arrival from Everton in 2018.
The former Everton man has scored just three Premier League goals in 43 appearances since making the switch to Stamford Bridge and has seen himself become a bit-part player due to the form of other midfielders.
The 26-year-old will get his chances to prove his worth towards the end of the campaign. If he fails to impress he could well shown the door this summer.
Verdict
Sell.
It will take a monumental turn in form for Barkley to displace any of the Blues’ other midfielders in the XI so now may be the time to cash in this summer while he is still young.
