Last season may have seen a fairytale ending for Chelsea Football Club, but the truth is they finished 5th and further away from the title since Roman Abramovich took over in 2003. They may have finally won the coveted Champions League trophy by the skin of their teeth, but the success last season only masked a trend that Chelsea have been on a downhill slope recently, and this summer must see significant investment if they are to reassert themselves as potential title contenders. Already Abramovich has moved to sign highly rated Belgian playmaker Eden Hazard, beating both Manchester sides to the signing in June, but Chelsea need more than the former Lille forward if they are to knock Manchester City off top spot come May. Here are the five players Roberto Di Matteo needs to sign to take Chelsea back to the top...
1. Gregory Van Der Wiel
Age: 24 Club: Ajax Cost: £6-8 million Having released Jose Bosingwa at the end of last season, Chelsea are now without a recognised right back in the squad and will without doubt sign one this window, the only question is who. Gregory Van Der Wiel has had long time admirers at Stamford Bridge and recently has welcomed a move to West London, describing it as a beautiful place, but Chelsea have yet to make an approach for him. With a valuation of something in between £6-8 million and at the age of 24, Van Der Wiel could prove to be the solution to what has become a bogey position at Stamford Bridge. During the 2010 World Cup, Van Der Wiel put in some solid displays although in the European Championships underperformed like most of his colleagues which may make Chelsea think twice before putting in an offer. The alternative is Lilles Mathieu Debuchy, who played at right back for the French during the recent Euros. Like Van Der Wiel, didnt have an eye-tournament, but over the past few seasons his stock has risen in France, and a move to the Premier League appears inevitable with Newcastle said to be close to a deal. Having been heavily linked to both, it is anyones guess which one Chelsea will punt for, although my money is on Van Der Wiel, as I expect the Toon to wrap up a deal for Debuchy in the coming weeks.