Tuchel says Chelsea squad could have a say on summer transfers

The Blues boss is a big believer is ensuring the current squad is comfortable with any new arrivals

Thomas Tuchel has hinted he could give his squad a major say on who Chelsea sign this summer.

Having taken charge of Chelsea mid-way through the season, the summer transfer window is likely to be an important one for Tuchel.

The German coach has said it is imperative the players are comfortable with any new arrivals, and may canvas his squad for their opinions on targets.

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What has been said?

“I spoke to a conductor in Germany and he told me that once in his orchestra he had to find a new musician,” Tuchel said, according to the Star. “He picks three maybe that he likes as a replacement, but the final decision is made through the orchestra. We had a long discussion about this.

“It made total sense to me because they have to play with the new person. I am brave enough to think about what this could mean in recruiting in football.

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“Could it be that the team maybe decides, like a pre-selection, and the responsible guys that you trust, your captains, decide with you which one they think fits the most? If an orchestra can do it, why not? It’s out of the box thinking.”

Chelsea’s transfer targets

It is almost certain the Blues will be in the market for a striker this summer.

Tuchel has turned the Blues’ form around since replacing Frank Lampard, but they have struggled in front of goal.

In only one game, a 4-1 win over Crystal Palace, have Chelsea scored more that two goals under Tuchel.

Timo Werner has continued to misfire, Olivier Giroud is not prolific and Tammy Abraham has fallen down the pecking order.

Kai Havertz has been deployed as a false nine, but he is not the long-term solution and Chelsea have been linked with the likes of Sergio Aguero and Erling Haaland.

At 32, the former would be a stop-gap option, but is available on a free transfer as he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season.

Chelsea would need to table a huge fee to prise Haaland from Borussia Dortmund this summer, but he has huge upside at the age of 20.

Big end of season needed

Chelsea are in the hunt for FA Cup glory, with a semi-final against Manchester City on Saturday, but arguably of greater significance is securing a Champions League spot for next term.

They have two shots at that, via a top-four spot in the Premier League and winning this season’s competition.

Chelsea face Real Madrid in the semi-finals, while they are currently fifth in the Premier League.

Securing a route back to Europe’s top table would make them an infinitely more attractive proposition.