John Obi Mikel hopes to see Chelsea make at least three more signings to prove there are legitimate Premier League title contenders next season.
In Enzo Maresca’s first season in charge at Stamford Bridge, the Blues showed signs they were ready to fight for English football’s biggest prize once again but an alarming dip after the turn of the year saw their hopes of keeping pace with Liverpool fade quickly.
They swiftly found themselves among the clutch of clubs scrapping for Champions League qualification but a strong end to the campaign saw them finish fourth, confirming their return to European football’s top table next season.
A Europa Conference League triumph further emboldened Maresca’s young side with Liam Delap since joining the squad, choosing Chelsea over Manchester United.
A Club World Cup campaign in the US will give them the chance to add more silverware with Mikel, part of some of the most successful squads in Chelsea history, convinced it can reignite a winning culture in the dressing room.
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Chelsea’s coffers will be filled to the tune of £100m if they end up winning the revamped competition with the former midfielder eager to see the money spent wisely.
With Jadon Sancho returning to Manchester United, Mikel believes another winger is a must, along with a central midfielder. While Levi Cowill and Trevoh Chalobah finished the season formidably with Wesley Fofana injured again, the Nigerian believes the squad could also benefit from an experienced option at the back.
‘I’m excited by the business the club has done. But if we can go again and win the Club World Cup, they can bring in more money and go again and spend,’ Mikel told Metro.
‘Bring in an experienced centre-back another midfield player and another winger. Jadon Sancho is going back to Manchester United, if we can bring in another winger who can take on players, create chances and score goals, that is what we need.
‘We need to keep improving and I am sure Laurence Stewart, Paul Winstanley [Chelsea’s co-sporting directors] and the guys there are working hard behind the scenes to bring in some really good players to improve the squad.’
He continued: I think they are legitimate contenders and we should believe that. We have a great squad, a young team but a great squad, a team that has just tasted what it is like to win a trophy.
‘Winning is about culture and that is what Chelsea Football Club is and we have to continue that culture. This young squad has now tasted what it feels like to win a trophy, I hope they can build on it because that creates a winning mentality around the squad.’
Mikel believes Chelsea will sell Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke’s return of 11 goals and five assists saw him emerge as an important component in that young attack, also forcing his way into the England picture.
The 23-year-old found himself questioned and challenged by his manager on more than one occasion, however, warned over his performances in training in August before being dropped from the squad for a game against Aston Villa for similar reasons in December.
Madueke now finds his future at Stamford Bridge uncertain with Newcastle United interested in bringing him to St James’ Park.
Mikel shares some of Maresca’s concerns over the winger, insisting ‘there is a lot of room for improvement’ given the talent he has at his disposal.
While he would like to see Madeuke remain part of the squad, the arrival of a new wide option could see him shown the door.
‘I like him,’ Mikel said of Madueke. ‘There is a lot of room for improvement however, I think him as a player, he can definitely do more. He can do more defensively and in terms of scoring goals.
Maybe there is a reason Maresca wants to get rid of him.
‘There is a lot more expected from Noni. His relationship with the manager, all throughout the season there was a little bit of tension. But I liked that, he gave him that little kick up the backside. You have to get better. Your end product has to be better.
‘Enzo knows Noni can do better, he knows there’s a lot more there. I think Noni has taken it on board sometimes but he can do better. If he is the player that is going to have to be let go to bring in another top winger, it’s not a bad idea but for me, I would keep him and bring in someone else.
‘Because the talent is there. But he needs to perform week in week out. The manager knows better than anyone else, he must have seen something in him we haven’t seen. Maybe how he trains, how he applies himself, I don’t know, if that is going to happen, maybe there is a reason Maresca wants to get rid of him. But as a Chelsea fan, I keep him.’
John Obi Mikel was speaking ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Watch all 63 games live on DAZN for free.
