Talk of faith. It sometimes can save a man. This is what Chelsea is currently undergoing as they are preparing for business as usual in the transfer market despite having a FIFA ban hanging over them for the next two windows.
The Blues – who have launched an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport to be heard later in April – are already identifying potential targets to pursue this summer.
Maurizio Sarri could be forgiven for wanting to make a handful changes to his squad given how each of his five signings has fared to date.
While Kepa Arrizabalaga has enjoyed a solid first campaign in the Premier League, Jorginho and Robert Green – his two the permanent arrivals – have been less than convincing.
Real Madrid loanee Mateo Kovacic has shown flashes of a player worth keeping, whereas Gonzalo Higuain still looks off the pace three months after his temporary move from Milan.
Should Sarri remain in charge beyond this term, he will be hoping for better from future recruits such as Christian Pulisic.
The £58 million American – who was signed from and immediately loaned back to Borussia Dortmund in January – will join up with his new club at the end of the season.
Come day one of the 2019-20 season, though, Pulisic is unlikely to be the only fresh face at Stamford Bridge.
Sources report that Chelsea are desperate to land a reliable striker, with Alvaro Morata, Olivier Giroud and Higuain all failing to meet the required standard.
The report identifies Robert Lewandowski and Alexander Isak as the Blues’ two preferred options in what would be a remarkable double swoop.
Despite being on the wrong side of 30-years-old, Lewandowski is still among the best finishers on the planet and would likely command a fee in the vicinity of £70 million.
With 21 goals from 27 Bundesliga appearances this term, it’s difficult to imagine Bayern Munich letting him go without a fight.
But even so, Chelsea
Dortmund’s Isak, on the other hand, has bagged 11 goals in as many outings since being loaned to Eredivisie club Willem II in January.
Despite not making a league appearance for Die Schwarzgelben since his £14 million switch from Stockholm’s AIK in 2017, the 6’3” Swede remains a highly-rated prospect.
Nicknamed ‘Giraffe’, Isak has been likened to Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to having a similarly fine touch and nimble footwork.
They’re certainly big boots to fill, but his hot form in the Netherlands suggests he could be primed to flourish at the right club.