Chelsea's perfect 25-man squad for next season with four new signings
Predicting how Chelsea could line up on the opening day of next season is proving just
as difficult as it is to predict who will become the next Chelsea owners.
With just under two months to go until the 2021/22 season reaches its conclusion, Chelsea
are gearing up for a rather productive end to the season on and off the pitch.
On the field, Thomas Tuchel's side remain in strong contention to the Champions League
and FA Cup, whilst a top four position still needs to be secured in the back end of the
Premier League season to ensure European football next season.
It's a different story off the pitch, though.
Chelsea have been looking for new owners now for the last few weeks after Roman Abramovich
was sanctioned due to his links to Russia's Vladimir Putin - something he strongly denies.
Consequently, the ownership race had been dominating a large proportion of the agenda
at this current moment and the need for the new structure to act fast upon their arrival
to the special government license is imperative if Chelsea are to have a productive summer.
Todd Boehly's consortium and Sir Martin Broughton's Group are the reported two frontrunners with
a conclusion potentially close by the time the Premier League returns from the international
break.
All Tuchel wants to see is for whichever party who wins the race to match the high ambitions
that Abramovich had over his 19-year reign.
"It is a huge amount of money," the Blues' head coach said in a recent press conference.
"That’s why I am also confident because I think if somebody buys a club for this kind
of money then it’s about challenging at the highest kind of level, then it’s about
trophies, then it’s about winning and it’s about being the best you can.
It's not about developing a project, it's not about making money with the club."
If the transfer ban was removed once the license is altered by the new ownership group, Tuchel
has at least four areas in which new additions can make a difference.
Whether that is via external or internal means to add more quality and depth to a squad who
aim to bridge the gap to Liverpool and Man City at the summit of the table remains to
be seen.
The first area may have to be in the goalkeeping department, with Kepa Arrizabalaga expected
to seek more first team opportunities elsewhere.
The Blues may have to either fork out pennies to sign an experienced back up to Edouard
Mendy or even perhaps promote a loanee goalkeeper like Jamie Cumming, who has fared well at
MK Dons, to the first team.
Next, the defence is an area of massive concern for the summer with all of Cesar Azpilicueta,
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen set to leave on free transfers in the summer,
as things stand.
Marcos Alonso is also a potential exile after his recent La Liga admission.
Jules Kounde has been someone on the agenda for a long while now and if the club is able
sign players, he looks likely to be one of the first names to finally get his dream move
after heartbreak last summer.
The likes of Levi Colwill and Dujon Sterling could come back from their loan spells to
help with covering the departures.
Alternatively, a young defender like a Ronald Araujo could be signed alongside Kounde to
complete the defensive re-shuffle that is expected to take place at the end of 2021/22.
Moving further up the field and one of Declan Rice or Aurelien Tchouameni would need to
be signed if Chelsea want to make the leap up to Man City's and Liverpool's level.
With the West Ham man priced at more than £150million, the Monaco man is more attainable
to a side who may need to be smarter with their signings after Abramovich leaves.
Maybe the likes of Jorginho could call it a day and heads back to Italy for his swansong
after a few good seasons in England.
Alongside one external midfield acquisition, one internal one could be made with Conor
Gallagher expected to be given a chance after his impressive season in the red and blue
of Crystal Palace.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek could potentially end his long association with Chelsea for a new challenge.
If that was to happen, then someone like a Billy Gilmour could be his internal replacement.
In the attacking line, two purchases could be made with club legend Eden Hazard reportedly
wanting to move back after a nightmare Real Madrid spell.
His know-how and experience will be something relished by Tuchel.
A new winger like a Raphinha or Antony from Ajax could be signed to try and add a more
fear factor from an attack that has lacked a ruthless streak.
For this to happen, Chelsea may have to end the Timo Werner experiment, with the German
star having an indifferent time in SW6.
Could Callum Hudson-Odoi also be on his way out after struggling to really make his mark
this term and in a season that has been overshadowed by various injury woes?
In the striking position, Kai Havertz will likely be the top man based on form, and with
Romelu Lukaku's future uncertain, Armando Broja could be given a rare chance next season
to play a big role in the team.
With all taking into consideration, football.london reveals Chelsea's perfect 25 man squad for
the 2022/23 Premier League season.