Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Anita Abayomi

Chelsea transfer targets make perfect starting XI combo and could calm Thomas Tuchel frustration

In a transfer window that has been pretty much a roller coaster of emotions for Chelsea fans and Thomas Tuchel himself, the Blues have been linked with some stellar targets. Unfortunately, several of their potential signings have not come to fruition, but it shows that they are at least along the right lines in terms of direction.

Todd Boehly coming in as the new owner would not be an easy transition. The departure of Petr Cech and Marina Granovskaia only made the transfer window a much harder task for the newly ordained owner. But of course, he's managed to secure two top signings in Raheem Sterling and Kaliou Koulibaly.

Looking at all the possible signings, Chelsea could have made. We have created an incredible starting 11 in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Let us know if you think that this team could win the Premier League.

READ MORE: Chelsea targeting four key signings to solve Thomas Tuchel's transfer window frustrations

Goal Keeper - Gabriel Slonina

The young Chicago Fire goalkeeper, could have a bright future ahead of him. An 18-year-old with a lot of potential was close to signing with Chelsea. The deal could still be on, but progress has slowed in the last few weeks.

Right Back - Nordi Mukiele

Now plays for PSG but formerly RB Leipzig. Chelsea were eager to hijack Mukiele from PSG despite the Parisiens already agreeing with the player with RB Leipzig. Mission impossible failed in the end even though Timo Werner was reportedly used to sweeten the deal for Leipzig.

Centre-Backs - Matthijs de Ligt and Jules Kounde

This could have been a partnership made in heaven. The pair in their early 20s were both inches away from a move to Chelsea. Todd Boehly pulled out all the stops for de Ligt, who in the end favoured Bayern Munich. Kounde is still an ongoing saga as Barcelona attempts to snatch another of Chelsea's targets from their grasp. Watching how that saga pans out in the upcoming days will be interesting.

Left Back - Potentially Nathan Ake

The multifaceted defender was on the list of Tuchel's desirables. He's already had his time as a Chelsea player before finding his way to play with the current English champions. He was close to a permanent move but ultimately chose to stay with Man City.

Midfield - Frenkie de Jong in partnership with Declan Rice

The Barcelona player is openly dismayed at the thought of signing for Manchester United but hasn't closed the door on a possible move to Chelsea. The Blues have been briefly linked with a return move for Rice, but his valuation is borderline impossible to meet. An honourable mention to Aurélien Tchouaméni, who could have been signed if Real Madrid didn't sort the deal before Chelsea could put the wheels in motion.

Wingers - Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele

These two would have caused absolute havoc on the flanks for Chelsea. What a double signing that could have been. There's been a Barcelona trend here. The Blues had a deal locked in with Leeds for the Brazilian forward, but the Catalans have been a long-term resident in his heart. He opted for the move to Spain as Dembele opted against a reunion with his old boss Thomas Tuchel. Agreeing to less money and a couple more years, Dembele remains a Barcelona player.

Centre-forwards - Robert Lewandowski with Gabriel Jesus in behind him. Need I say anymore. What a formidable pairing they could have been. Both targets had their eyes set elsewhere - Barcelona for Lewandowski and Arsenal for Jesus.

All in all, a pretty solid 11 there. What do you think? Comment in the section below and let me know if I've missed anyone.

Chelsea targets starting 11 (REACH PLC)

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.