Transfer Talk: Experienced heads Chelsea could target this summer

Chelsea's Carabao Cup final loss to Liverpool highlighted a need for more experienced heads in their squad.

Though the Reds finished extra-time with several youngsters on the pitch, they were propelled to victory by the maturity of Virgil van Dijk.

In contrast, Mauricio Pochettino's Blues — with Thiago Silva expected to leave in the summer — are visibly lacking players with years of top-level football under their belt.

Ahead of the West Londoners' FA Cup clash with Leeds, we consider some of the seasoned pros they could target in the summer transfer window.

Karim Benzema

The absence of a reliable No9 was on show for all to see at Wembley.

Chelsea racked up an xG of 3.47 over 120 minutes — but they were denied by a combination of Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and some wasteful finishing.

Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher and Nicolas Jackson all squandered good chances, indicating how a striker with real pedigree and dependability in front of goal could be an important addition.

And Chelsea could do significantly worse than Karim Benzema, who was linked with a move to the Premier League last month.

He has scored nine goals in 17 Saudi Pro League games for Al-Ittihad this season — but reportedly wants to return to Europe.

At 36, the Frenchman is in the twilight years of his career, although he seems to share the same impressive longevity as his former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Frenkie de Jong

With speculation surrounding the future of Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea could require midfield reinforcements.

The Blues are especially youthful in that area of the pitch, with Fernandez, Gallagher, Moises Caicedo, Lesley Ugochukwu and Romeo Lavia all 24 or under.

Links to Barcelona playmaker Frenkie de Jong are perhaps unsurprising, then, as Chelsea look to add experience in the middle of the park.

The Dutchman will be 27 in May — hardly a veteran but a player with plenty of title-winning pedigree during his time at both Ajax and Barcelona.

With his contract up in 2026 and Barca in a precarious financial situation, rumours of a possible exit have been rife.

De Jong is still pulling the strings for Xavi's team in LaLiga, ranking second in the division for completed passes per 90 minutes (86.09) and with an impressive passing accuracy of 93.04%.

His composure and coolheadedness in midfield would certainly aid Chelsea's progress.

Alex Grimaldo

A new left-back could be on the radar for the Blues this summer.

Marc Cucurella has failed to convince and may depart at the end of the season, while Ben Chilwell has been hindered by injuries.

Bayer Leverkusen left-back Alex Grimaldo could therefore be the perfect addition for a Chelsea side in need of proven quality.

The Spaniard has enjoyed a spectacular season in the Bundesliga, scoring eight goals and providing nine assists for Xabi Alonso's league leaders.

Only three players in the division have attempted more crosses than Grimaldo (135), who constantly looks to advance down the left flank and create chances.

The former Benfica defender turns 29 in September and has the experience and tactical intelligence to improve Chelsea next season.