Chelsea's dangerous starting XI to start new season based on transfer rumours as 3 new signings start

Chelsea have already been busy this summer, and we are likely to see arrivals and departures aplenty before the summer transfer window slams shut. Enzo Maresca is hoping to shape his squad into one capable of battling for the Premier League title, while he will also want a good run in the Champions League.

Here we have put together a potential Blues starting XI for the start of the new season based on recent rumours amid talk Noni Madueke could depart.

GK - Robert Sanchez

Chelsea tried to sign a goalkeeper earlier in the window, failing in their attempts to land Mike Maignan. The Blues could yet move for a new stopper, but it’s looking increasingly likely that Sanchez will end up keeping his starting role for next season.

LB - Marc Cucurella

Cucurella has been very consistent for the last 18 months and he will almost certainly go into the new season as the starting left-back back for the Blues.

CB - Levi Colwill

Colwill had an excellent season of last, and he will have to hold off the likes of Wesley Fofana and potentially Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile, depending on what happens with their respective futures. Colwill is extremely likely to start at centre-back.

CB - Piero Hincapie

It’s no secret Chelsea are looking for a centre-back this summer, but a number of options have already been taken off the table. Marc Guehi looks likely to go elsewhere, while Dean Huijsen has been snapped up. Bayer Leverkusen has been linked with a move worth more than £50million, and Maresca will like the fact he is a left-footed centre-back who can also play at full-back.

RB - Reece James

James finished the season well and may have a head start in the race to start at right-back next season. Malo Gusto and Josh Acheampong will be battling to start in that spot.

CM - Moises Caicedo

Caicedo is one of the first names on the team sheet, and he will start in the more defensive of the centre-midfield roles next season when fit.

CM - Enzo Fernandez

Fernandez has come on leaps and bounds since joining the Blues, with Maresca giving him more licence to get forward. He should be a starter in this midfield role.

CAM - Cole Palmer

Another one of the first names on the team sheet, Palmer will be a starter in the attacking midfield role, with the Blues relying on his creativity and goal-scoring ability.

RW - Pedro Neto

Neto looks to be the preferred winger option ahead of Noni Madueke, who has been heavily linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks. Nicolas Jackson, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap could also challenge in these winger roles, as well as up top.

LW - Jamie Bynoe-Gittens

It looks as though Chelsea will wrap up a deal for Bynoe-Gittens, and the 20-year-old could well be an instant starter, especially if Madueke leaves.

CF - Joao Pedro

The race for the starting striker role will be an interesting one, with Joao Pedro, Jackson and Delap all battling. Maresca will love that competition, and it’s not likely Jackson will be sold despite reports. Pedro might just have the edge after arriving on a big money deal this summer.

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