Joe Cole names two transfers Chelsea must target for Enzo Maresca to close gap

Chelsea are back in the Champions League and former midfielder Joe Cole reckons a proven goalscorer is a must if Enzo Maresca's team are to close the gap further on the top three next season

Joe Cole says a summer of calm is necessary at Chelsea regardless of the outcome in Wednesday night's Conference League final against Real Betis and next month’s Club World Cup.

And even though he does not agree with all elements of their divisive recruitment approach, Cole believes that another two years are required before the owners’ daring strategy can be defined as a success or bust.

The former midfielder believes silverware can act as a springboard under the stewardship of Todd Boehly and Bedhad Eghbali but stresses another window of chaos could have a detrimental effect on Enzo Maresca’s young charges.

“The club has had so much going on, it needs continuity,” Cole said. “It's been a good season because there's been progress. The club needs to keep believing in the approach.

“I would do things differently, I would have had a lot more experience in the team and stuck with managers. But it is three years into a five-year project. In two years if Chelsea are sitting on the top of English football and competing for the Champions League then it's a job well done.”

Despite that Cole reckons this summer’s transfer priority must be adding a proven goalscorer to lead the attack.

He thinks Chelsea are a better team when hit-and-miss centre-forward Nicolas Jackson, who missed the final two league games of the season because of suspension, is involved.

But a more prolific No9 is required for them to close the gap at the top. Ipswich’s Liam Delap and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike are being looked at.

For TNT Sports pundit Cole, however, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Aston Villa ’s Ollie Watkins would be the ideal fit despite being older than the profile of player Chelsea are keen on.

“They will stick with the model but they need to find more goals in the final third,” he added. “If Osimhen is available, go and get him. Ollie Watkins in that Chelsea team improves them straight away.

“I'm coming from a purely footballing perspective but these guys are trying to run a successful business where you need to have assets.”

Watch the UEFA Conference League Final exclusively live on TNT Sports and discovery+ the home of European football from 6.30pm, Wednesday 28 th May