A closer look at whether Chelsea can dominate the Premier League for years to come
After four years of Manchester supremacy, Chelsea have finally won their fourth Premier League title. But can they go on to become a real force in England’s top flight, or is another City and United cycle inevitable? With the players … Continue reading →

After four years of Manchester supremacy, Chelsea have finally won their fourth Premier League title. But can they go on to become a real force in England’s top flight, or is another City and United cycle inevitable?

With the players Chelsea already have, there’s no reason why it should take five more years for the London club to win another league title. In fact, some of their most influential players this season still have a lot of years left in them. PFA Player of the Year Eden Hazard is 24. Diego Costa, 26 (cue the age jokes), and Nemanja Matic, also 26, are just a few examples. On the other hand, John Terry, 34, isn’t getting any younger and will be a giant loss once he decides to hang up his boots.

Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane and Everton’s John Stones have been touted as possible replacements for the Chelsea skipper, but despite the heaps of potential they both have, it’s unlikely that they’ll be able to replicate the influence Terry has on the pitch. The former England captain is not only a great defender and superb reader of the game, but also a real leader and someone that knows the club inside out. Indeed, it will be a huge blow to the Blues future title credentials once the man that some dub as ‘Mr Chelsea’ chooses to call it a day.

The inevitable loss of Terry aside, the champions still have other fantastic players and the right manager at the helm to help bring them future success – Jose Mourinho. The Special One is widely recognized as one of the best in world football; despite the frequent criticism of his defensive tactics he continues to win trophies and Chelsea fans likely do not mind.

After years of chopping and changing, there finally seems to be stability and a long-term plan now that Mourinho is in the driving seat again. The Portuguese manager will almost certainly look to bolster his squad in the summer as the Blues prepare for a three-way assault on their Premier League crown. Signing another striker may take priority: Costa and Loic Remy have had frequent injuries this season, while it’s looking very unlikely that club legend Didier Drogba will be handed a new contract.

However, other areas of the first-team also need addressing. Oscar who has been poor for very much of the New Year could be off once the window opens and Willian, despite being one of Chelsea’s best players in recent weeks, doesn’t score enough goals throughout the season.

Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann is one name that has been mentioned as a possible arrival at Stamford Bridge this summer, and the 24-year-old would have plenty to offer. Although he’s played the majority of the season up front for the Spanish champions scoring 25 goals, he’s naturally a winger that can play on either flank.

His team-mate Koke is also another player Chelsea have been linked with. Cesc Fabregas has been a revelation since joining the club last year, racking up beautiful assists for fun, but the 28-year-old has been suspect at times when playing in the pivot alongside Matic. The addition of Koke would very much prevent that. The 23-year-old’s impressive defensive contribution, versatility and ability to fashion up opportunities would offer more balance to the team, allowing Mourinho to play Fabregas further up the field or operate in a midfield three with more freedom.

If Chelsea want to continue winning league titles, then these are the calibre of players they must sign.

With that being said, it’s also important for Mourinho to start looking at some of the fantastic youth products the club have been producing and recruiting. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Dominic Solanke and Isaiah Brown are just a few talented youngsters rated highly by the three time Premier League winning manager. With a potential reform to the home-grown quota, the development of Chelsea’s many promising gems is essential and Mourinho must consider giving some of them opportunities once they’re ready.

Ultimately, It will still be a tough task for Chelsea to defend their title regardless of whom they sign in the summer or promote to the first-team. Wealthy Manchester City, determined Manchester United and persistent Arsenal will all hope to put a spanner in the works.

City have been linked with the likes of Juventus’ Paul Pogba, Wolfsburg’s Kevin De Bruyne and Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling – players with immense quality that would surely bring Manuel Pellegrini’s club closer to the title next season.

Manchester United are also set to splash the cash having already agreed a fee believed to be in the region of £25-30 million for PSV’s Memphis Depay, with talks of pursuing Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane.

And of course there’s Arsenal who usually mount a title challenge season after season. They’ll possibly be looking to sign a new goalkeeper, holding midfielder and forward: the names Petr Cech, Morgan Schneiderlin and Alexandre Lacazette have all been cited as potential targets for the Gunners.

Chelsea, however, still have everything in place to rule the Premier League for years to come.