Paul Merson urges Chelsea to strengthen squad for title challenge
Paul Merson has stated that Chelsea’s team needs to be improved if they are to compete with Arsenal and Manchester City in the coming season.
Following Thiago Silva’s likely departure, the former Arsenal midfielder pointed out the significance of including a “experienced centre-back” to the defensive line.
‘Chelsea haven’t been consistent enough,’ Merson told Sky Sports. ‘They’ve been good in the cups – that’s what sometimes happens when you’re a young team.
‘They’re doing well at the moment, fair play, and they’re right in the race for Europe.
‘For me, they’ve got to get in – they’ve got into a final, a semi-final, they were bang unlucky in both, and it could turn out to still be not a bad season.
‘But they’ll have to go and buy players, and not sit and think that they got it right all along. No, they haven’t. They’re miles off Man City and Arsenal. You’ve got to look at the all-round picture.
‘They’ve got to bring in experience in the summer. It looks like Thiago Silva’s going, he’s their main experienced player.
‘So they’ve got to add to that, you need that if you want consistency when things aren’t going too well, and they can just calm it down a bit.
‘They probably need an experienced centre-half to take Silva’s place, and they could do with another centre-forward too.
‘They want to be getting into the Champions League next year, surely. So they’ve got to start bridging the gap to Arsenal and Man City.
‘This is Chelsea, not a run-of-the-mill team. Chelsea are used to winning things, they want to win stuff – not finish fourth in the league like Tottenham wanted to do, and celebrate about it.
‘I can’t see how Poch isn’t in charge next season, though nothing surprises you. I haven’t thought they should ever get rid of him, he’s a good manager.
In addition, Merson stressed the importance of obtaining a new striker to bring more firepower upfront.
Considering Chelsea’s recent improved form under Mauricio Pochettino, Merson believes there is still a huge gap between the Blues and the Premier League championships contenders.
With Chelsea currently sixth in the league table, Merson thinks that securing a Champions League place should be the club’s main objective for next season.
Acknowledging Chelsea’s impressive performances in cup competitions, Merson insists that further reinforcements are essential to sustain their momentum and compete at the highest level domestically.
The recent 5-0 victory over West Ham showcased Chelsea’s potential, but Merson emphasizes the need for sustained improvement.
As Chelsea prepares for their final Premier League fixtures against Nottingham Forest, Brighton, and Bournemouth, Merson’s call for strategic signings reverberates through Stamford Bridge, echoing the aspirations of fans eager for their club to reclaim its position among English football’s elite.
See More:
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