I'd rather have question marks with a Reece James, then have an overpaid Zappacosta rotting on the bench.
You'll never know how good they are until you give em' a shot. No one thought McTominay would solidify a position with United, either. Fans give hot-takes, but for the most part, they don't actually follow the kids that closely.
I'm not suggesting a total youth movement, but there's so much dead weight on that roster. I'd rather have home-grown youth filling out the rest of the squad, personally. Especially when they're as talented as Chelsea's.
You're not going to challenge for the title next season, and United and Arsenal more than likely won't be that strong. Could be a perfect time to finally use the academy and build a foundation.
Just a thought.