Having relegation on your CV does not seem to be a problem for Chelsea, who have already signed one player who failed to beat the drop with his side last season.
At the beginning of June, Chelsea bought Liam Delap from Ipswich Town following their return to the Championship.
Despite being part of a relegated team, the Blues still hold Delap in high regard; otherwise, they would not have signed him.
And the same may apply to one defender who also saw relegation last season. Chelsea have been linked with Ousmane Diomande and other centre-halves, but it looks like they could bring in a full-back as well during this transfer window.
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty ImagesChelsea monitoring Kyle Walker-Peters
In the past, Chelsea have reportedly been interested in Kyle Walker-Peters, and it appears that the 28-year-old is once again on their radar.
According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are keeping tabs on Walker-Peters as they consider making a move for him.
Walker-Peters is a free agent after not renewing his contract at Southampton, who were relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season.
The Saints finished bottom of the table, managing to earn just 12 points throughout the whole campaign. It is no wonder that Walker-Peters does not want to stick around.
Walker-Peters arriving at Stamford Bridge could pave the way for Malo Gusto to depart. Bayern Munich are allegedly keen on Gusto.
Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty ImagesKyle Walker-Peters could be shrewd business
Chelsea fans will want to see homegrown product Josh Acheampong given minutes if Gusto does leave, rather than a 28-year-old Walker-Peters being brought in.
However, the fact that the Englishman is 28 means he has something to offer. He can provide Enzo Maresca‘s squad with experience, which it is currently severely lacking.
Walker-Peters can also play at left-back, with Chelsea not having any cover for Marc Cucurella at the moment.
Via Transfermarkt
All in all, on a free transfer, Walker-Peters could be smart business by Chelsea. They just have to be wary of not disrupting Acheampong’s development.