Chelsea take on Nottingham Forest on Monday in what will be their first fixture of 2023 on the day that the January transfer window opens.
The Blues continue to be linked with multiple players in different positions and it could end up being a busy transfer window as they look to improve their squad and ensure they finish the season in the top four of the Premier League. Graham Potter’s side currently sit eighth and will need to do more than they did in the first half of the campaign to secure Champions League football next season.
Here is how the London club’s starting XI, which football statistics site Transfermarkt values at a whopping £553m, could potentially look at the end of the transfer window if the latest speculation turns out to be true:
1. GK - Edouard Mendy
The Blues are thought to have ling term plans for the goalkeeping position but other areas of the pitch will be a priority for recruitment and the Senegalese will likely continue to battle Kepa for the starting jersey
2. RB - Cesar Azpilicueta
The club captain has been operating as a centre-back but may return to his more traditional role ahead of Trevor Chalobah and Reece James if a new central defender is signed
3. CB - Kalidou Koulibaly
Paying just over £30m in the summer for Koulibaly looks like a terrific piece of business with the commanding centre-back amongst the Blues most consistent performers so far this season
4. CB - Josko Gvardiol
Probably the best defender in the world under the age of 21 at the moment, Chelsea will have to pay a significant sum to sign the Croatian from RB Leipzig but his World Cup performances suggest he is already worth every penny