Pundit tells Lampard three signings Chelsea need to become champions

Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard needs just three signings to turn Chelsea into firm challengers for the Premier League title, according to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

The Blues have already brought in Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner this summer to strengthen Frank Lampard’s squad.


Deals for a new goalkeeper and potentially Kai Havertz are thought to be next on the agenda for Chelsea.

They had been linked with Jan Oblak, though Atletico boss Diego Simeone has been quick to react to those rumours.

Meanwhile, hopes for Havertz have also been shot down, despite Chelsea’s obvious interest.

Hasselbaink, however, reckons neither are priorities for Chelsea. He has instead urged Lampard to sign a new centre-half, a left-back and a defensive midfielder.

Chelsea have conceded 49 times this season – more than any other side in the top half. As such, Hasselbaink thinks it’s obvious where they need to strengthen.

“I think he [Lampard] will address the back four,” Hasselbaink told Premier League Productions.

“I think if you’re going to play Jorginho you need to do something about your defence. He can’t defend like N’Golo Kante can but he’s very good on the ball.

“You need players who can defend one against one. In a central area they need to improve. I definitely think when Kante doesn’t play they lose those legs in the middle of the park. He might look at something there.

 

“I know people will talk about the left-back and that he wants to improve there. I think it’s a just matter of time that a centre half and a left-back. They’ve been talking about Ben Chilwell – is going to get into the building.”

Chelsea’s win over Norwich gives them a four-point cushion over Man Utd and Leicester in the race for the top four. But Lampard’s side travel to champions Liverpool next. Their season then ends with a potentially decisive clash with Wolves at Stamford Bridge.

 

Lampard backs Loftus-Cheek

Frank Lampard

Lampard, meanwhile, hopes an injury-free Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be like a new signing for Chelsea next season.

Asked if a fully-fit Loftus-Cheek will be akin to a new recruit next season, Lampard replied: “I hope so. It’s difficult for Ruben right now, because of how long he’s had out, because of the stop-start of lockdown and the restart.

“But he’s worked really hard to get where he is right now. In terms of his body and his fitness, we have to give him a little bit of credit and time.

“These games now, he started against Norwich, he’s made little impacts along the way. It may look like that for him in these next few games.

“But what I want is a Ruben firing straight out the blocks for pre-season and next season.”

Read more from the Chelsea boss here.