Over the course of the season, the likes of Franck Kessie, Steven N’Zonzi, Naby Keita and Real Madrid’s Isco have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Chelsea’s boss Antonio Conte is strongly keen on making Chelsea one of the strongest side in Europe and is looking to bring in some new signings to Stamford Bridge. Though with 4 points ahead of Tottenham Hotspurs, the Blues are still favourites to win the Premier League title this season, they need quite bright stars in their rank in they are to compete against top sides next season. The former Juventus boss will surely make no shy in spending this summer to get deals done and here is a probable lineup he might field in the first game next season.
Defence:
There have been reports lately linking Thibaut Courtois with an exit to Real Madrid but the good news here is that the Champions League holders seem to be more interested in Manchester United’s David de Gea leaving the Courtois to remain with Chelsea. So, in such scenario, the Belgian international is expected to remain between the sticks next season.
On the issue of starting formation, Antonio Conte is strongly expected to stick with his 3-4-3 formation system which will see Spaniard Cesar Azpilicueta maintain his post on the right-hand side of the defence. David Luiz will remain at the heart of defence for another year or so but Gary Cahill and his compatriot John Terry might not get to start for the Blues next season or perhaps out of the club. Kurt will be reserved only as a backup.
The Blues boss has been looking at some avenues for new defenders in Europe including Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah and Michael Keane from Burnley. However, in terms of this, I believe the best option he should go for is Southampton’s star Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch man is among the best in the Premier League at the moment and Conte should bring him into the side to add some strength at the back for the European challenges.
Midfield:
Wing-backs Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso on either wing have been playing superbly well this season and despite the boss still wants to spend on the flank, he will only buy players who can cover for them and should stick with his first team.
French midfield bulldozer N’Golo Kante has been the Blues player of the year so far and the former Leicester City man should keep his place in the first team in the middle of the park. Nemanja Matic has been impressive but he and Cesc Fabregas have been playing rotationally and Conte might want to spend on a midfield enforcer this summer.
Over the course of the season, the likes of Franck Kessie, Steven N’Zonzi and Real Madrid’s Isco have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer. However, Bundesliga midfield bulldozer Naby Keita could be the best bet for the Italian tactician and he should partner him and Kante in the midfield for his first game next season.
Attack:
Blues forward Diego Costa has been impressive this season and unless he wants to leave the club, he will remain the first-choice striker next season. Real Madrid are believed to be lining up impressive bid for Eden Hazard but it is hard to see the Blues part with such great talent. Conte is likely to stop all move that might see him out of the club this season.
While Pedro and Willian have been major hit of the headline this season, Conte would want to add a superstar to the attack, that will them invincible. One player the boss can target is Alexis Sanchez. Alvaro Morata, Andrea Belotti and Moussa Dembele (from Celtic) are also on the radar but a front three of Costa, Sanchez, and Hazard could send shivers down the spine of even the best of the teams in Europe.