The 2016–17 season was Chelsea's 103rd competitive season, 28th consecutive season in the top flight of English football, 25th consecutive season in the Premier League and 112th year in existence as a football club. In addition to the domestic league, Chelsea participated in the FA Cup and League Cup; however, they did not participate in any UEFA competition for the first time since the 1996–97 season. The season covered the period from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017.
Chelsea won their fifth Premier League title with a 1–0 win away to West Bromwich Albion on 12 May. Chelsea controversially lost the FA Cup Final to Arsenal after a 2–1 loss on 27 May. This season was the last for John Terry, who announced he will leave when his contract ends at the end of the season after Chelsea's final game.
The season saw Chelsea equal the Premier League records for consecutive wins in a season (13), fewest draws in a season (3), fewest home draws in a season (0), and home and away wins against different sides (12). They also managed to break the record for number of wins in a season (30), as well as record the second-highest points tally in Premier League history (93).
Team kits
Supplier: Adidas / Sponsor: Yokohama Tyres
Month by month review
June
On 9 June, Vitesse signed an extension on Nathan's loan and then two weeks later also signed an extension on Lewis Baker's loan.
On 13 June, Chelsea announced it had released Marco Amelia and Kevin Wright, and also confirmed that loanees Radamel Falcao and Alexandre Pato would be returning to their respective teams. After spending a season-and-a-half on loan at Udinese, Udinese activated a clause in Stipe Perica's contract to sign him permanently.
On 22 June, Charly Musonda's loan at Real Betis was extended for the 2016–17 campaign. On 27 June Chelsea youngster Kyle Scott joined Dutch club Willem II on trial after handing in multiple transfer requests in April 2016. On 29 June, Nathan Aké joined AFC Bournemouth on loan after a successful loan season with Watford in 2015–16.
In June, Chelsea submitted a total of three bids for Roma's Radja Nainggolan, with the third reportedly valued at €40 million; the player ultimately decided to stay after receiving an improved contract from Roma the following month.
July
On 1 July, it was announced that Pedro would switch to the number 11 shirt, recently vacated by the loan expiration of Alexandre Pato.
On 3 July, Michy Batshuayi signed a five-year deal at Chelsea after an accepted bid of €40 million (£33.2 million). Batshuayi became the first signing by new Chelsea manager Antonio Conte. After being linked with multiple teams, on 6 July Jérémie Boga joined La Liga side Granada on a season-long loan.
After months of speculation, promising right-back Ola Aina signed a new four-year contract. Although Tika Musonda was on the release list, Chelsea opted to give him a new one-year contract.
On 11 July, Chelsea under-21 assistant manager Andy Myers joined Vitesse on a one-year deal as Henk Fraser's assistant manager. With Myers joining the Dutch side, Ian Howell is promoted as the new U-21 assistant manager. On 12 July, Players' Player of the Year Willian signed a new four-year contract. On 13 July, Tomáš Kalas returned to the Championship, joining Fulham on a season-long loan. After promotion to the first-team in the previous season, Kasey Palmer joins Huddersfield Town on 15 July. On 20 July, Kiwomya joined League 2 side Crewe Alexandra on loan until 9 January 2017. On 22 July, it was announced that Matej Delač would join Belgian side Mouscron-Péruwelz on a season-long loan.
John Swift was given a new contract in June, but decided to turn it down to sign with Championship side Reading on 14 July.
On 16 July, N'Golo Kanté signed a five-year contract with Chelsea valued at £30 million from Leicester City, becoming Conte's second signing.
Chelsea lost its first pre-season match, against Rapid Wien, which ended in a 2–0 defeat. In the following match of its Austrian tour, Chelsea won 3–0 against Wolfsberger AC, with youngsters Bertrand Traoré, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Nathaniel Chalobah each scoring a goal. The following day, Chelsea had a closed-door friendly with local team Atus Ferlach, ending its Austrian tour with an 8–0 win over the champions of the Austrian fourth-tier Kärntner Liga.
On 28 July, Chelsea started its tour of the United States with a 1–0 victory over Premier League rival Liverpool thanks to an early goal from Gary Cahill. On 30 July, Chelsea set a record during the 3–2 loss against Real Madrid, with a record attendance of 105,826.