Chelsea’s scary XI next season with Enzo Fernandez and three more

Chelsea have shelled out prodigious sums of cash since Todd Boehly bought the club at the end of May. With money appearing to be no object under the new regime, there could be plenty of new faces at Stamford Bridge by the end of next summer. And Express Sport takes a look at the Blues’ scary XI next season if they bring in the players they want.

Goalkeeper – Kepa

Kepa Arrizabalaga has reclaimed the goalkeeper jersey in west London under Graham Potter and has started seven Premier League matches this season. The 28-year-old had been pushed out of the team after Frank Lampard signed Edouard Mendy in 2020. But Kepa will be confident of holding onto the No 1 spot after keeping four clean sheets.

Defence – James, Fofana, Badiashile, Cucurella

Reece James has once again struggled with injury problems this season and was forced off in the early stages of the second half when the Blues’ defeated Bournemouth 2-0 earlier this week. But the England international will be thrust straight back into the team at right-back as soon as he is fit again and will be first-choice next season, with Marc Cucurella lining up on the opposite flank.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have been linked with Monaco centre-back Benoit Badiashile and have already reportedly agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old. The player, who has won two caps for France, could arrive at Stamford Bridge as early as January and would line-up alongside Wesley Fofana at the heart of the Blues’ backline next season.

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Midfield – Fernandez, Rice, Mount

Potter will surely be prioritising improving his midfield options as it is arguably his team’s weakest area. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are now in direct talks with Benfica about signing Enzo Fernandez. The midfielder, who starred for Argentina at the World Cup as his country won the title, could end up costing the west Londoners a staggering £105million.

Chelsea have also held a long-term interest in West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, who was part of the Blues academy as a youngster. And if they can secure deals for both players, Potter will feel confident of launching an assault on the Premier League title next season. Fernandez and Rice would be tasked with breaking up opposition play and turning defence into attack, while fellow midfielder Mason Mount would be given the licence to push forward and create chances.

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Forwards – Nkunku, Havertz, Sterling

Chelsea have already secured a deal to sign RB Leipzig striker Christopher Nkunku. The 25-year-old has been a revelation since being pushed further forward by his club and has already racked-up 17 goals in 23 games this season.

Nkunku is set to head to Stamford Bridge next summer and will be tasked with banging in the goals in the Premier League. The ace could form part of a front three alongside Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz.