This summer transfer window could be the defining moment for Chelsea in their attempt to build a new era; and they are missing two pieces.
Frank Lampard’s Chelsea may have gone trophyless this season, but they achieved their primary objectives: to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League.
Lampard previously called Chelsea “a team in transition”, and he is not wrong.
Reflecting on this season, the manager told Chelsea’s official website: “I think a lot of people would have written us off this year.
“When you think of Chelsea eras just gone, of prime Hazards, and Drogbas and Terrys and Cechs, it looked different this year and the players have fought for everything.
“I hope the fans have appreciated that fight, we certainly appreciate their support, and I can promise them that we will be doing everything we can to keep moving forward.”
Chelsea have clearly shown progress in building a new backbone under Lampard.
Both Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi have displayed glimpses of brilliance Eden Hazard provided.
While Mason Mount and potentially Kai Havertz — who is reportedly close to joining — have the potentials to be goal-scoring threats from midfield, similar to Lampard himself.
For the new Drogba, while Tammy Abraham’s form has dipped in the second half of the season, at 22, he has already had the instincts of a top striker.
In addition to that, the new signing Timo Werner could also become the dependable goalscorer Chelsea need in years to come.
The missing pieces of the puzzles are their new Cech and Terry who played major parts in Chelsea’s famous record-breaking 15 goals conceded in a Premier League season back in 2004/05.
This season they conceded 54 goals.
It would not be easy to find replacements for two of the Premier League legends, there could be a process of trial and error before finding the right ones.
Kepa Arrizabalaga was signed on a seven-year contract because Chelsea believe they had found their new long-term goalkeeper, for example.
To build a new era, however, they have to find these new Cech and Terry.