Things are really beginning to heat up for Chelsea in the summer transfer window as the new season gets closer to its start date.
We're about a month into the 2023 summer window and already we've seen a whole host of players leave Chelsea to start new chapters in their respective careers. The Blues have accumulated more than £200million in player sales, with the likes of Mason Mount and Kai Havertz both leaving for big money to join Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal, respectively.
With a big list of first-team players having already left Stamford Bridge, Chelsea's attention is now set to switch on those they can bring to the club in the coming weeks. Talks remain ongoing with Moises Caicedo, with Chelsea and Brighton trying to find an agreement on a big-money deal to sign the Ecuador international.
Meanwhile, Chelsea remain in the market for attacking options. An attacking midfielder and a striker are on the club's agenda following the exits of some high profile players. Rayan Cherki of Lyon and Dusan Vlahovic are both players being looked at by Chelsea, albeit with the former being much more advanced than the latter.
football.london understands Chelsea have now stepped up their interest in Cherki and an official offer to Lyon is under serious consideration. The Blues are huge admirers of the 19-year-old and have spoken to his representatives in recent days to try and reach an agreement on personal terms.
While Lyon are determined to keep hold of their prized asset, the club have not ruled out the possibility of selling him this summer. Chelsea are trying to gauge the situation before making an official proposal to the financially-troubled French club.
READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All of the latest updates coming out of Stamford Bridge
Chelsea are also interested in Vlahovic this summer. The Serbia international's future at Juventus looks to be uncertain at the minute and he has interest from across Europe. The Blues are one of those keen on the striker and football.london was told earlier in the week that he could be an option for the club later in the summer transfer window.
The west Londoners are understood to be focusing on other targets at the moment but a new striker could be on the cards at a later date. Christopher Nkunku, who can play as a No.9, and Nicolas Jackson, an out-and-out central striker, have already been added this summer.
How could Chelsea lineup their attack?
We're yet to see Mauricio Pochettino take charge of a game as Chelsea head coach. The Argentine, who started his role last week, will be in the dugout for the first time as Blues boss when his side take on Wrexham in a pre-season friendly next week in America.
It will be interesting to see what Pochettino does in regards to his lineup – particularly his attack. Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke are set for big roles with the club this season following a number of exits. It's a big season for the duo, who both arrived in the January transfer window with big expectations.
However, if Cherki is signed, then one of them could lose their place in what we would consider Chelsea's 'strongest' XI. Nkunku can play all over the front-line, which will really benefit Pochettino when choosing his sides. Perhaps we could see something like the image below...
Of course, Chelsea do not even have two of these players yet in Cherki and Vlahovic. But Chelsea are very serious about Cherki and are considering making an official offer to Lyon in the coming days, football.london understands.
The player himself is thought to be open to moving to Stamford Bridge. His representatives have held extensive talks with Chelsea in recent days to discuss his future.
Let us know your thoughts on our 'dream' attack. Is there anything you would change?
