{"id":18077,"date":"2026-07-16T21:09:54","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T21:09:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=18077"},"modified":"2026-07-16T21:09:54","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T21:09:54","slug":"roberto-di-matteos-chelsea-prediction-hinges-on-transfer-window","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=18077","title":{"rendered":"Roberto Di Matteo’s Chelsea prediction hinges on transfer window"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Chelsea legend Roberto Di Matteo is expecting his former side to have a much better campaign next season.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Last term, Chelsea finished in 10th place in the Premier League table and failed to qualify for the Champions League.<\/p>\n

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It was a terrible season, but following the arrival of Xabi Alonso, fans are feeling optimistic, including Di Matteo.<\/p>\n

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Chelsea need successful transfer window to finish in top four<\/h2>\n

Heading into the new campaign, Di Matteo is hopeful and has tipped Chelsea to finish in the top four and make a return to the Champions League.<\/p>\n

Speaking to ESPN, the ex-Chelsea manager and player said: \u201cI would hope and expect them to have a really good season and be in the top four this coming season.\u201d<\/p>\n

If the Blues are to qualify for Europe\u2019s elite competition, there is a lot of work for them to do in the transfer window.<\/p>\n

They need to make improvements in several areas of their squad after finishing 10th last season. The club also need to try to keep hold of their best players.<\/p>\n

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Fernandez is dying to leave Chelsea this summer, but the midfielder has just proven why the Blues should be doing everything in their power to keep hold of him.<\/p>\n

Once again, Fernandez delivered when his team needed him most, scoring a fantastic equaliser for Argentina in their 2-1 win over England in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

If top four is their aim, they really cannot afford to be selling such a decisive player like Fernandez.<\/p>\n

Where Chelsea need to strengthen before transfer window closes<\/h2>\n

It will not be enough just to keep Fernandez. Again, Chelsea need to dip into the transfer market and improve their squad.<\/p>\n

The Blues have signed Marco Palestra from Atalanta, but Xabi Alonso needs more than the wing-back.<\/p>\n

After some of their defending last season, a new central defender should be a priority, which does appear to be the case. Chelsea are currently pursuing Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace.<\/p>\n

With Alejandro Garnacho likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, a new left winger should also be on their list.<\/p>\n

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