Chelsea have entered the summer transfer market after the sanctions imposed on them have been banished. Furthermore, the Blues have accelerated their business after arriving late in the market. However, Marina Granovskaia won’t be heading the negotiations as usual for Chelsea. The director has left the club and new owner Todd Boehly is overseeing the transfer talks unless Marina’s replacement is appointed. Chelsea are linked with a number of signings to overhaul their squad for next season.
Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku has left Chelsea for Inter Milan, returning to the Italian side on a season-long loan. The Blues will therefore reinforce their attack with a number of signings in the department. Moreover, Boehly has reportedly pledged £200 million for the club to facilitate the signings. As confirmed by multiple sources, Chelsea are in advanced talks to land Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling. The Londoners are further in talks with Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele, plus four more signings lined up.
We take a look at the possible Chelsea line-up for next season if they conclude all the signings they want.
Chelsea’s backline with the signings of two new center-backs
As far as the goalkeeper is concerned, Edouard Mendy is Chelsea’s undisputed first-choice. The Blues however could lose his deputy Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer who wants regular game-time.
On the other hand, manager Thomas Tuchel has demanded that Chelsea complete the signings of two new center-backs. Chelsea have lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen after the center-back duo’s deals expired this summer. Furthermore, the Blues could also lose Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso who want out.
As a result, Chelsea have prioritized the signings of Sevilla’s Jules Kounde and Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt. Kounde is a long-term target of Chelsea and could finally seal a move this summer if the Blues trigger his £69 million release clause. Sevilla have conveyed their stance that they want the £69 million if a Kounde is to leave. On the other, De Ligt is a new name on the list after his contract talks broke down with the Italian side. Juventus are reportedly ready to part ways with the Dutchman if an appropriate bid arrives.
The signings of Kounde and De Ligt would then form a Chelsea back-three with veteran defender Thiago Silva. Surely this would be a powerful upgrade in the backline from last season.
Refreshed midfield
Though Chelsea have Reece James and Mason Mount as untouchables in the squad, the Blues have anticipated the sale of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho. Moreover, there are fresh rumors that Chelsea have developed an interest in signing Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini. The Roma man is valued at £51 million, a price which could be paid by Chelsea if they succeed in selling Kante and Jorginho.
Meanwhile, Everton’s Richarlison is also on Chelsea’s radar and could play the role of Marcos Alonso. The wing-back wants to return to his native country of Spain with Barcelona his priority destination. Chelsea signings could include Richarlison who is open to leaving Goodison Park.
A fiercely stacked attack
The Chelsea department which could experience the most number of signings is their attack. After Lukaku’s departure, the Blues are ready to bring in new firepower. Sterling tops their list and Chelsea even have had their first bid rejected by for City for the winger. Nonetheless, Boehly who is leading the talks is prepared to launch a new, improved bid.
Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele however could cost them no fee as he is available for free. The Frenchman is yet to extend his contract with the Catalans which expires this month. Tuchel having previously worked with Dembele knows his strengths and hence has green-lit his signing. Kai Havertz would then permanently take up the false-nine role which reaped positive results last season. These signings would definitely reignite the title charge of Chelsea for next season.
Chelsea’s potential line-up post the signings:
Edouard Mendy; Jules Kounde, Thiago Silva, Matthijs de Ligt; Reece James, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Mason Mount, Richarlison; Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, Osumane Dembele
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