Find and recruit a replacement for Thibaut Courtois
Courtois wants to go back to Spain. The goalkeeper has never bothered to hide that since returning in 2014 from three seasons at Atletico Madrid, and the stars have aligned for the Belgian, who has a year left on his contract at the same time that Real Madrid need a new No.1. Ta-ra, Thibaut.
But Courtois will only go once Sarri has his replacement signed, sealed and delivered – a reality which appears a long way from being realised. Countless names with a variety of ages and experience levels have been mentioned, all of which hints at a lack of a definitive plan. Chelsea cannot say that this is an issue to have taken them by surprise.
Stamp some authority on transfer policy
The identification of a new keeper offers Sarri his first chance to flex his muscle in the direction of the Chelsea board. The club’s recruitment policy has been, at best, haphazard in recent years, and Antonio Conte frequently deflected any questions over possible signings in the direction of the ‘the club’.
The departure of Michael Emenalo last November has left a void that is yet to be filled. Marina Granovskaia appears to hold much of the power, with her view carrying less clout than only Roman Abramovich. Conte’s opinion was sought on identifying targets but, as he discovered, the ex-manager’s recommendation did not always hold the sway he would have hoped.
Rearrange the defence
Sarri’s arrival is likely to signal the end for the three-man defence that served Chelsea so well, especially during Conte’s first season when a tactical reshuffle early in his reign went a long way to securing the title.
That is almost certainly bad news for right wing-back Victor Moses, though Marcos Alonso on the opposite flank will be given the chance to demonstrate that he can play as a traditional full-back. Cesar Azpilicueta will most likely shuffle out to the right-back position, leaving the two central defensive spots to be filled.
One of those is almost certainly going to be taken up by a new recruit. Chelsea’s long-standing links with Kalidou Koulibaly have intensified with the appointment of the Napoli defender’s ex-manager, while Daniele Rugani is also said to be a priority target, though his Juventus team-mate Mattia Caldara may be a cheaper option.
Trust in youth to complete midfield
Sarri’s very first job, even before he was unveiled by Chelsea, was to ensure that Jorginho made the journey to west London alongside him. The Italy midfielder will be the fulcrum of Sarri’s midfield, orchestrating those ahead of him.
Jorginho’s right-hand man/machine will be N’Golo Kante, while five current squad members will all have aspirations of making up Sarri’s midfield trio.
Tiemoue Bakayoko and Danny Drinkwater can write-off whatever first-XI ambitions they may have been clinging on to and while Cesc Fabregas will have his uses, his main one will likely be as a substitute. Ross Barkley is eyeing a fresh start, but the obvious answer appears to come in the form of another English prospect.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s time has to be now. After an impressive season in the Premier League with Crystal Palace last term and establishing himself in the England squad, Loftus-Cheek is entitled to expect an opportunity to impress for the club his joined at the age of eight. If he gets such a chance, you would expect him to grab it.
Find a goalscorer
Despite signing two centre forwards in the last year, Chelsea have not yet managed to replace Diego Costa. The text from Conte that signalled the end of the Spain striker’s stay at Stamford Bridge was also perhaps the beginning of his end.
Alvaro Morata failed to build on a promising start and the Spaniard is said to be available if Chelsea can recoup last summer’s investment, while the World Cup highlighted once more that Olivier Giroud remains arguably the best non-scoring centre forward in the game.
If Chelsea are content to let Giroud enter the last year of his contract, then the 31-year-old would be a vital squad member. But even if Sarri convinces Eden Hazard to stay for now, the new manager still needs a striker who carries a genuine goal threat.
Conte’s Blues netted 23 fewer goals last season compared to the year before when Costa was the Premier League’s best battering ram. Gonzalo Higuain would seem an ideal fit and the Juventus striker is said to be available, even if Chelsea have baulked at the price. Again, this is not an area in which Sarri can afford to let the board look to save a few quid