Chelsea starting XI for new season if transfer rumours prove true, including new keeper and defender
A look at what Chelsea’s starting XI could look like next season based on recent transfer rumours.
Chelsea are now just weeks away from the start of the new season, and they have just two games on their pre-season schedule due to their FIFA Club World Cup campaign that ended in success.
The Blues have already made a strong start in the summer transfer window, and we are expecting more. Here we take a look at the possible Chelsea starting XI to start the new season based on recent transfer rumours.
GK - Mike Maignan
Chelsea seemed to leave the Maignan deal alone after trying to sign the AC Milan goalkeeper early in the summer, but there are now fresh links. Maresca doesn’t seem to be convinced by Robert Sanchez, and it still seems likely he will continue his ruthless recruitment strategy and improve a position he clearly feels he can improve upon.
LB - Marc Cucurella
Cucurella has proven himself over the last 18 months and will surely be the shirt-holder for the left-back position going into next season.
CB - Levi Colwill
Colwill was Chelsea’s best centre-back last season and Maresca will want to build his defence around the Englishman heading into next season.
CB - Marc Guehi
Chelsea have some options at centre-back, especially with Wesley Fofana coming back from injury, but they clearly want another starting calibre centre-back, and Guehi still feels like the most logical option despite likes with Jorrel Hato. Guehi will likely be cheaper - if not a similar price - and he knows the club inside out. The Crystal Palace star would be a fine signing.
RB - Reece James
There is some competition on the right with Malo Gusto, and it’s likely both he and James will see plenty of football next season. James might just hold the edge, but expect Maresca to rotate here.
CM - Moises Caicedo
One of the first names on the team sheet, Caicedo will be a key player in the pivot role. There is almost no doubt over this one, as long as Caicedo is fit.
CM - Enzo Fernandez
There is also little doubt over Fernandez’s position as a starter. There has been talk of interest from Real Madrid, but Chelsea are not expected to sell their star Argentine this summer.
CAM - Cole Palmer
Another key starter, Palmer will be Chelsea’s go-to attacking midfielder having become a true superstar. There is, however, some talk of the Blues going after Xavi Simons, who can play in this role or out wide. Simons would likely be a back-up in the number 10 role and see more time out wide.
RW - Pedro Neto
Neto looks to be the chosen starter on the right side of the attack. Maresca is a huge fan of the Portugal international, and with no Madueke, Neto looks to be the starter.
LW - Jamie Bynoe-Gittens
Chelsea need another winger to replace Madueke, but new signing Bynoe-Gittens is the only obvious starter for now, with no clear target in sight. Joao Pedro or one of the other strikers could also play here.
CF - Joao Pedro
Joao Pedro showed his ability in the latter stages of the FIFA Club World Cup, and he likely has the edge over Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson, providing the latter stays. If Chelsea keep hold of Jackson, they would be left with a very competitive strikers’ room.
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