Chelsea will be hoping new signing Joao Felix can inject some more quality into their ranks after their underwhelming first-half of this season. The Portugal international has arrived at Stamford Bridge on a loan deal from Atletico Madrid until the end of the campaign.
He has spent the past three-and-a-half years playing in Spain and has scored 34 goals in 131 games for Diego Simeone’s side in all competitions. However, his time in La Liga has turned a bit stale over recent times and he will now be looking forward to a new challenge in England.
Chelsea have been linked with a few names this month as Graham Potter looks to put his own stamp on the squad. It appears their transfer policy is now to sign young players and develop them over the next few years. With that in mind, here is a look at how their starting XI could look following Felix’s arrival and including rumoured arrivals...
1. GK: Illan Meslier, Leeds
He has been linked with a move to Chelsea along with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur and would be a useful long-term option between the sticks. Photo: Stu Forster
2. RB: Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spain international has played for the Blues since 2012.
3. CB: Thiago Silva
The 38-year-old won’t be able to play forever and has new boy Benoît Badiashile ready to step into his shoes in the long run.
4. CB: Josko Gvardiol, Leipzig
He caught the eye at the World Cup last month with Croatia and is a reported target for Graham Potter’s side. The youngster would look to pip Kalidou Koulibaly to a starting role if he joined.