3 Chelsea players who will be key next season if the transfer ban is upheld: New signing features

In a last-ditch attempt, Chelsea have taken their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against a two-window transfer ban which was imposed on them by FIFA.

The Blues have already failed with their first appeal with the game’s governing body and if the ban is upheld, the club will not be able to make its presence felt in the transfer market.

Chelsea have not asked for the ban to be lifted while the Court of Arbitration for Sport considers the decision and notably, they are also appealing against their £460,000 fine.

The Europa League winners will have a massive setback if the ban is upheld as without bringing reinforcements, it is hard to see them going toe-to-toe against the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City in the Premier League next season.

Besides, they will also face the best teams in Europe in the Champions League and all of this without the terrific Eden Hazard on their side.

Let us take a look at three players who will have to stand out next season if Chelsea are to compete for the top honours.

Christian Pulisic

Pulisic was signed by Chelsea in the January transfer window from Borussia Dortmund earlier this year with the clause to bring him to London in the 2019-20 season.

The United States international is one of the hottest prospects in the game at the moment and his pace and movement on and off the ball will be a huge asset for the London based outfit.

His excellent dribbling skill is his strongest suit and while any comparison with Eden Hazard will be unfair at this point, he has to come up with a fair share of the goals and assists for the Blues in the absence of the Belgian superstar.

Pedro

A veteran attacker who arguably has two good seasons left in the top flight, Pedro has to be at the peak of his form. The Spaniard scored 13 goals in 50 appearances for his club across all competitions last season, which despite being decent, will have to be improved upon.

The upcoming season will provide him with a good opportunity to cement a place in the starting line up. He has to work on his consistency though if he is to make a positive impact for the Blues.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Loftus-Cheek is one of the few players in Maurizio Sarri’s armoury who can drive the team forward and deserves to start regularly. The central midfielder is a shrewd passer of the ball and has the ability to create pockets of spaces around him using his physicality and technical know-how to good effect.

Despite being handed just 6 starts and 18 substitute appearances in the league, the 23-year-old scored 6 goals and registered 2 assists. He is skilful, hard working and energetic and has the calibre to be the engine room for Chelsea next season alongside N’Golo Kante and Jorginho.

Statistics Credits: WhoScored