Todd Boehly could set Chelsea on their way to rivalling Liverpool and Manchester City for the Premier League title next season with the signings of Raphinha and Raheem Sterling. The duo have both been heavily linked with a move to west London. With Thomas Tuchel reportedly eager to sign two wingers this summer, they could be the perfect acquisitions to kickstart a new era at Stamford Bridge.
Raphinha has been heavily linked with an exit from Elland Road this season and, while Arsenal are said to have led in the transfer race up until yesterday, the Blues have reportedly been given the green light to reach a full agreement.
As per The Athletic, Chelsea are close to agreeing a fee north of £55million with Leeds for the 25-year-old, but the deal isn't done yet. The report adds that the west Londoners are now best placed to acquire the winger's signature, and Boehly is eager to wrap up a deal in a swift fashion to 'avoid problems'.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly Chelsea takeover agreement gives Thomas Tuchel La Liga transfer mission green light
It's emerged that long-term favourites Barcelona can't afford the winger as things stand, and Arsenal have struggled to meet the asking price. With the race for Raphinha heading into the final straight, football.london understand that Chelsea planned to bid for Sterling on Tuesday after Boehly contacted City chiefs on Monday in an attempt to speed up proceedings.
A figure in the region of £50 million has been suggested for the England international with a year remaining on his contract, and there is a growing belief that an agreement between the clubs could be in place by the weekend. So we, football.london, have looked at how Chelsea could line-up next season with Sterling and Raphinha under Tuchel's stewardship.
3-4-3
The 3-4-3 has been synonymous with Chelsea since Tuchel took the helm at Stamford Bridge. With Sterling and Raphinha in a front-three alongside Kai Havertz, the Blues could have a frontline to be reckoned with.
With Declan Rice, Jules Kounde and Josko Gvardiol potentially in the side too, Chelsea would have all bases covered. However, a line-up like this could hamper the game time of Mason Mount, Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah.
4-3-3
A 4-3-3 is a formation synonymous with Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp and one that Sterling is probably more so tactically aware of. While the team sheet depicts Havertz leading the line, he'd likely take up a false-nine role - as he has done so before to great effect.
3-4-1-2
This formation was trialled and tested on several occasions by Tuchel at Chelsea last season. Though not too dissimilar to the 3-4-3, Mount has relished the number ten role, and Havertz would grant Sterling a sense of freedom regarding his choice of movement - much like how Harry Kane works with the City winger under Gareth Southgate for England.
However, with this shape, Raphinha could be utilised as a right wing-back, having previously done so on various occasions with Leeds. But, it must be said that the Brazilian's talent would be wasted in the said role before even factoring in the impact on Reece James too.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea make Jules Kounde transfer U-turn as Cristiano Ronaldo influence revealed
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from Stamford Bridge
Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
What Thomas Tuchel has said about Cristiano Ronaldo as Todd Boehly discusses transfer with agent
Jules Kounde makes 'financial' decision as Chelsea turn transfer attention to Matthijs de Ligt
