Chelsea won their second Champions League trophy just over six weeks ago and owner Roman Abramovich’s desire to win more titles is as strong as ever after the win.
The Russian billionaire owner of the Blues wants to spend money this summer and make sure his team can deliver a strong challenge for the Premier League crown next term.
.
Chelsea finished last season as Champions League champions and will want to build on that success this season.
Manager Thomas Tuchel did an excellent job in the second half of last season, replacing Frank Lampard in January and leading the west London club to a top-four result and delivering the holy grail that is the Champions League.
However, he will know that some new names must be bought to close the gap between them and Manchester City, who finished a whopping 21 points ahead of them in the league.
Some big names have been linked to a move to Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea will have to sell a few stars to incorporate them into the club that has one of the largest squads in the division.
But who could be sold and brought in, and how could they line up next quarter? talkSPORT.com has put together a couple of possible Chelsea XIs for the 2021/22 campaign …
.
Tuchel did an incredible job last season and is now tasked with leading Chelsea back to Premier League glory.
Departures
Emerson Palmieri
The left-back was impressive for Italy when he was called up to replace Leandro Spinazzola after his devastating injury.
He put on some excellent displays as the Azzurri lifted the trophy and has set out to return to Italy, with Ben Chilwell as the first choice at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea want him off the salary account and demand a permanent transfer, and Napoli are more strongly linked to his services.
Tuchel prefers Marcos Alonso to Emerson and it is believed that the latter could attract a higher rate because he is still only 27 years old, so don’t be surprised if he follows through this summer.
.
Emerson prospered with Italy during Euro 2020, but his days at Chelsea seem numbered
Tammy Abraham
The 23-year-old prospered with Lampard, but his chances with Tuchel have been few and far between.
The forward started just three Premier League games after the German’s arrival in January.
Football Insider claims David Moyes’ West Ham is currently the favorite to land the Chelsea forward, although a return to Aston Villa with a permanent deal has also been discussed.
Abraham scored 12 goals and had six assists last season and his days at Stamford Bridge appear to be numbered.
.
Abraham is a great West Ham target, but Villa could also call him
Kurt Zouma
Zouma fell through the pecking order in the second half of last season, starting just seven of our last 21 league games, and Chelsea are keen to cash in this summer.
The Frenchman is in his prime and it is understood that he is not prepared not to sit on the bench during his best years.
Roma want to sign the loaned defender, José Mourinho being an admirer of the central defender.
However, Chelsea wants a permanent deal and has set its asking price at £ 30 million for the 26-year-old.
. – .
Zouma was a regular under Lampard, but has now been sidelined under Tuchel
Callum Hudson-Odoi
In order to fund a move for Haaland, Chelsea are prepared to sell Hudson-Odoi, Hakim Ziyech and Abraham.
However, with Ziyech and Hudson-Odoi able to play forehand, it is likely that only one of them will be able to leave and the latter seems the most sensible option.
Ziyech had a difficult first season in the Premier League, but the Blues are unlikely to cut their losses at the £ 33m Morocco international after just one year.
Hudson-Odoi, who is still in her 20s, would also attract a much higher fee given her age and potential.
However, he could become a world-class player, just like Jadon Sancho, and Chelsea could live to regret selling him.
. – .
Hudson-Odoi could be fired by Chelsea this summer and many clubs would be interested
Arrivals
Erling Haaland
It’s no secret that the Blues are on the hunt for a new forward this summer and Haaland is at the top of Roman Abramovich’s wish list.
Reports have suggested the Russian billionaire is willing to approve a £ 150 million move to sign the sensation from Borussia Dortmund.
The Bundesliga club is only open to hear offers in that region and they will seriously consider that kind of offer, with Haaland’s release clause next summer of just £ 67 million.
Haaland scored a staggering 41 goals in 41 games in all competitions for Dortmund last season and is already one of the best forwards in the world.
.
Haaland would be an incredible acquisition for any club, but it won’t be cheap
Antoine Griezmann (loan)
The Blues are plotting a shock loan for the 30-year-old, who has been unable to rediscover his best form in Barcelona following his massive £ 107 million trade from Atlético Madrid in 2019.
According to the Daily Express, Tuchel’s side is making plans to bring him to Stamford Bridge on a temporary basis.
If you move to West London, the Blues attack will be filled with a number of big names, and Griezmann could even be used as a backup.
. LICENSORS
Barcelona chased Griezmann for years, but could be willing to part with him this summer
It is not only Griezmann linked, with Federico Chiesa, one of the stars of the victorious team of Italy, it is also rumored.
How could they line up?
If Chelsea seal deals for Haaland and Griezmann, the Blues’ strength in depth will be insane and undoubtedly one of the strongest squads in the league.
In fact, the Blues could even line up with two strong teams if they strike deals for their goals.
Traditionally, Tuchel likes to use a back five and Griezmann could be used as a backup to Mason Mount on the right wing.
Timo Werner, who had a difficult first season at Stamford Bridge, could be relegated to the bench in Haaland’s place.
What do you think of this 5-2-3 formation?
Could this Chelsea XI fight for the title?
Tuchel, however, could use a back four to unlock deep blocks and that could lead to more attackers being used.
In an alternate formation with some of the potential backup players, Griezmann could be used to the right of the three forwards.
Christian Pulisic could be on the left wing with Werner as the main attacking forward, while Hakim Ziyech could be used at No. 10 behind the three forwards.
With Kante quite prone to injury, Matteo Kovacic could enter the lineup as a more than useful replacement.
At the rear, César Azplicueta can fill in on the right side and Marcos Alonso on the opposite flank, with Antonio Rudiger and Christensen pairing up behind.
Chelsea’s strength in depth is already ridiculous enough
–
