When the fixture list for the ongoing season was released earlier this year, it presented Chelsea with a golden opportunity to get off to a flying start and lay down a marker for their Premier League rivals.
However, five games into the season, the Blues have not made the most of a favourable fixture list. They sit in sixth place after two wins, two draws and a loss.
While it may be too early to dismiss Enzo Maresca’s team from the title race, Paul Merson has done exactly that.
The former Arsenal player believes that Chelsea are not serious title contenders this season, not because of their players but because of their transfer strategy.
Merson has pointed out one case in particular, which, according to him, proves that Chelsea’s transfer strategy is not conducive to winning the league.
According to Merson, Chelsea made one mistake this summer which will cost them winning the league.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Paul Merson slams Chelsea’s transfer strategy after failing to replace Robert Sanchez
Merson has questioned Chelsea’s decision to persist with Robert Sanchez in goal and questioned the decision not to sign a new goalkeeper.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson says: “No club has ever won anything without a top goalkeeper. It’s very rare. You never look at clubs that win things anywhere in Europe and say the goalkeeper is the weak link – that never happens.”
He believes Chelsea were wrong not to replace Sanchez, and he’s not the only one. However, he thinks it’s not a mistake, but rather part of the club’s strategic operations.
As he explains: “If there’s no profit in it, the player won’t be bought. They buy young at the right market value – that doesn’t really work for a goalkeeper.”
“At the moment, they aren’t building a squad to win the Premier League,” says the former Arsenal midfielder.
While there are a lot of positives in Chelsea’s transfer policy, it also prevents them from signing an experienced goalkeeper.
The result of this is a top-heavy side, with loads of quality and excitement going forward, but vulnerability behind the ball. And as Merson points out, you won’t win the league with such an unbalanced squad.
Chelsea news and related links
- Enzo Maresca reveals if Alejandro Garnacho will start against Man United
- Glenn Hoddle claims Chelsea star should be appreciated more
- Man United vs. Chelsea lineups: Starting XI, team news, injury latest with Cunha, Mount fit, Garnacho tipped to start