Thomas Tuchel might finally have a new member of his squad to rely upon this summer after Raheem Sterling agreed personal terms with the Blues. The German coach headed into the transfer window looking for a rebuild, with the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen setting the stall out for a stiff task for the new owners.
Todd Boehly has since taken the role of Chelsea's sporting director with the club's board undergoing a makeover, with the notable exits of Bruce Buck, Marina Granovskaia and Petr Cech. Boehly and Tuchel are set to lead the Blues' transfer endeavours and still have plenty of work to do.
It's believed that Chelsea were hoping to have two players to add to their first team squad ahead of their pre-season training camp in Los Angeles, ahead of a USA tour where they take on Club America, Charlotte and Arsenal. That deadline will be tight but it looks as if the Blues may finally be finding some traction.
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While there have been suggestions that Tuchel could look at a new formation, he seemed confident that he has been well served by his back three and so that's our starting point. Take a look at the dream XI Chelsea would ideally be able to call upon by the end of the transfer window.
Edouard Mendy is Chelsea's undoubted No. 1. There appears little chance of him being usurped in the immediate future with Kepa Arrizabalaga's future uncertain, and a new contract possibly on the horizon.
Reece James is set to be offered a new deal by the Blues and has proved himself to be one of the best practitioners in the world in his position. An easy inclusion in the side.
Jules Kounde remains on Chelsea's shortlist of defenders alongside the likes of Nathan Ake and Matthijs de Ligt. Personal terms have long since been agreed and reports suggest the Blues may finally be willing to place a bid for Sevilla's consideration. The Frenchman is currently in Los Angeles too, as he build his fitness ahead of the season following surgery. A quality option to rotate with Trevoh Chalobah on the right side of defence.
Thiago Silva has proven himself to be central to Chelsea's defence. The Brazilian may be 37 but he's looked better and better in Chelsea colours.
Matthijs de Ligt would prove a true statement signing for the Blues, albeit an expensive one. The Dutchman would appear to have the physicality to thrive in the Premier League, and having played across the back three, could maybe move central when Silva eventually departs to allow Levi Colwill into the team.
Ben Chilwell was heavily missed last season and he if he can rediscover the form he showed last autumn, will be a major asset for Tuchel.
Mateo Kovacic showed himself to be Chelsea's most consistent midfielder last season, even against competition that included Ballon D'or contenders N'Golo Kante and Jorginho. The Croatian is set to start the coming season but will need a partner in midfield.
Frenkie de Jong could possibly be that figure. Barcelona are in need of finances to make any more moves in the transfer market and they have been linked to a lot of players, with Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta counted among that number. Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea are believed to have had admiration for the Netherlands international for a number of years, and Champions League football appears to have put the Blues ahead of Manchester United in the race. The 25-year-old may still require some persuasion to leave Camp Nou, however.
Raheem Sterling is on the verge of completing a £45 million deal and is set to provide Chelsea with some of the cut, thrust and chaos they lacked going forwards last term. Part of his consideration in leaving Manchester City was ensuring he would receive the playing time required to thrive in his peak years and thus, he's likely to be involved from the off.
Mason Mount has the ability to fight off squad stalwarts and incoming transfers alike after winning consecutive Chelsea player of the year awards. A deal for Raphinha is not out of the question but displacing Mount regularly will be an almighty task.
Kai Havertz proved to be Chelsea's better forward option in comparison to Romelu Lukaku last season, and currently looks set to lead the line once again. The Blues have been sounded out over a move for Cristiano Ronaldo but Manchester United are currently adamant that the superstar is not for sale with one year remaining on his deal. A £14 million figure has been touted for the forward, who would undoubtedly score goals, but Tuchel may find himself looking to the all-round package of Havertz once again.
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