Chelsea haven't had best of starts under new boss Graham Potter. Although the Blues qualified for the Round of 16 in the Champions League, they've since been eliminated from the Carabao Cup following a defeat to Manchester City last week.
Meanwhile, they've lost their last three Premier League games and are without a win in five, with the latest defeat coming to Newcastle on Saturday. The Blues now sit eighth in the table, eight points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and 16 behind league leaders, Arsenal.
Potter will need time to mould his squad and that process will properly begin when the transfer window opens in January. However, looking ahead, there may be some bargain buys on offer, some of whom will be available on a free transfer at the end of June.
READ MORE: Full list of Chelsea transfer targets going to Qatar 2022 World Cup amid Boehly scouting mission
With that in mind, let's take a look at who Chelsea could monitor at the World Cup with a view to potentially signing them on a free come July 1.
Lionel Messi
When a player like Lionel Messi becomes available, football clubs from all over the world understandably take notice. The Argentine has been linked with a move to the MLS, whilst PSG are also keen on re-signing him for a further year at least, but Chelsea could swoop in with an offer.
Cristiano Ronaldo (+1 option unlikely to be extended)
The Blues were offered the chance to sign Messi's great rival, Ronaldo, in the summer transfer window. Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, had a lengthy conversation with Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly – who was said to be keen on signing the Manchester United attacker.
However, Thomas Tuchel, who has since been sacked, turned down the opportunity. Ronaldo has caused all sorts of problems in the Man United dressing room since then, and after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, you have to assume that the club won't look to extend his deal, despite having the chance to activate an additional year option in his contract.
Luke Shaw
Ben Chilwell is missing out on the World Cup after suffering another injury setback which means that Shaw is likely to start for Gareth Southgate's England in his place. The two could be teammates at club level in the future, though, if Potter is interested in adding further depth in the full-back position.
Karim Benzema
Chelsea certainly need a new striker. Some would want the Blues to invest in a younger, more promising frontman, but Benzema's proven over the last couple of years that he's still one of - if not the best - forwards around. Signing the Ballon d'Or winner on a free could be a smart investment.
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