According to Metro - Main, Joe Cole described the need for experience to support Chelsea's young players, suggesting Lewandowski could join on a free transfer if his Barcelona contract expires and Stones might be available if Manchester City allows his deal to run out. Chelsea's BlueCo ownership, led by Behdad Eghbali's Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly, has previously focused on elite young talent on long-term contracts, but Eghbali has now indicated the club will pursue 'ready-made' players this summer to reach the next level. Chelsea returned to the Champions League this season but were eliminated in the last 16 by Paris Saint-Germain, and they have lost their last three Premier League games, leaving them in a desperate scrap to qualify for the competition again next season.
Lewandowski's contract at Barcelona expires at the end of the current campaign, while Stones is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. In the goalkeeper position, Chelsea are expected to integrate loanee Mike Penders into the senior squad when his temporary spell at Strasbourg concludes this summer, and they have been linked with a move for AC Milan's Mike Maignan. 1 goalkeeper at the club.
We need experience, someone to come in and support the young players. I would be looking at Lewandowski. If his contract is up at Barcelona, get him in for a year. That could work, someone to come in and help the young players. He is a big name, has that stature and would be a huge presence in the dressing room. I think he could really help Joao Pedro and Liam Delap. John Stones as well maybe if City let his contract expire. He is another who could be a big presence in the dressing room, to help and nurture the great young centre-halves we have at Chelsea. He might not be able to play 50 or 60 games anymore but will improve players around him.
James Trafford impressed with Burnley in the Championship last season, guiding them to promotion back to the Premier League, before Manchester City triggered a buy-back clause to secure him for £31 million; he has featured in only 11 matches across all competitions for City this season, with Gianluigi Donnarumma firmly established as first-choice. 1 spot.
It's hard with Robert Sanchez because he's performed well at times. He came out of the starting lineup to Jorgenson the other day. So it doesn't look like Liam Rosenior has settled on a No.1 as much as he says he 'doesn't have a No.1'. That's just how he operates. When a goalkeeper like James Trafford becomes available, then Chelsea may have to strike. He is improving, is Sanchez, but I still think there's another level. Is it going to be there in time for Chelsea to kick on and be challenging for the Champions League and competing with the Arsenal and Man City's of the world? Liverpool have got Allison, Man City have got [Gianluigi] Donnarumma, and Arsenal have got David Raya. That's the level of goalkeeper Chelsea need. Sanchez can get there, but can he get there quick enough?
I didn't expect the situation [with Donnarumma] to happen but it happened, so just get on with it. So it's happened so I work very hard every day and see what happens, give it my best shot. No, it wasn't [no.1 spot promised]. So it is what it is. It's football, you've got to keep grafting every day and the games that come, play as hard as you can. This is just another experience to add to my career and it has been a good learning experience.