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Chelsea’s attacking ranks are already stacked full of talent, but the Blues are looking to add further quality to their dressing room with the signing of Napoli forward Lorenzo Insigne next summer, according to reports. The 30-year-old will be a free agent next summer and looks to be poised for the exit door, with Chelsea said to be keeping a close eye on his situation.
Express Sport takes a look at the Chelsea side that could line up in the Premier League next season if they manage to bring Insigne to Stamford Bridge without paying a transfer fee.
Goalkeeper – Mendy
Edouard Mendy has emerged as one of the Premier League’s finest stoppers during his time at Chelsea and kept 16 clean sheets last season.
He looks set to retain the No 1 shirt at Stamford Bridge for the foreseeable future, although Kepa Arrizabalaga will likely feature in domestic cup matches.
The Spaniard has proven himself to be a quality back-up option for the Blues after he was initially dropped amid a poor run of form under Frank Lampard.
However, he is still not consistent enough to justify a starting berth every week and will continue to play second fiddle to Mendy.
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Defene – James, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Christensen, Alonso
Tuchel is likely to stick to Chelsea’s back five next season, with their strength in defence playing a key role in last season’s Champions League triumph.
Reece James will feature at right wing-back with Marcos Alonso on the opposite flank unless Ben Chilwell manages to establish himself as a sure-fire starter.
Andreas Christensen has emerged as a top-class operator in defence and could assume a starring role next year, while Cesar Azpilicueta should be primed to keep the captain’s armband and his place in the side.
Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger will complete Chelsea’s trio of centre-backs if he eventually signs a new deal at Stamford Bridge, with talks said to be ongoing.
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Midfield – Kante, Jorginho
N’Golo Kante remains one of Chelsea’s most valuable assets and is likely to feature in the middle of the park next season.
It has been suggested that the Blues could look to sell the Frenchman next summer, but it seems unlikely that Tuchel would be willing to let him leave as a result of his importance to the side.
Kante should be partnered by Jorginho in the engine room, with the Italian maestro establishing himself as one of the world’s best players over the course of this year.
However, Mateo Kovacic is also likely to feature on a regular basis, with the 27-year-old making 42 appearances in all competitions last season.
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Attack – Havertz, Insigne, Lukaku
Insigne would likely assume a starting role at Chelsea if he decides to join the Blues on a free transfer ahead of next season.
He is equally comfortable on either wing or as an attacking midfielder, with his versatility able to give Tuchel plenty of options at the top of the pitch.
Romelu Lukaku will almost certainly be tasked with leading the line, while Kai Havertz could occupy a supporting role alongside Insigne.
Mason Mount will also feature regularly behind Lukaku and is likely to be rotated with Havertz or even Insigne over the course of the entire campaign.
Possible Chelsea XI – Mendy; James, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Christensen, Alonso; Kante, Jorginho; Havertz, Insigne, Lukaku.
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