Chelsea will take on Liverpool on the opening weekend of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign. Mauricio Pochettino will go head-to-head with Jurgen Klopp in his first competitive match as Blues head coach in the start of a new chapter for him and the club.
The Reds present a stern opening test for Pochettino but one the Argentine will surely relish as he looks to make a statement to the rest of the Premier League upon his return to England. By the time Chelsea and Liverpool kick off on August 13, the two clubs' squads could look vastly different to what they are now.
The 2023 summer transfer window officially opened on Wednesday, June 14 and already there has been so much speculation regarding Chelsea and the business they are expected to do over the next few months. The Blues are planning on selling more than 10 players over the course of the transfer window as Todd Boehly looks to somewhat balance the books after an extortionate 12 months of owning the club.
There are a host of players who are of interest to Chelsea as well as the club's board look to provide Pochettino with the best-possible squad to complete his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge. So, with that being said, football.london takes a look at what Chelsea's dream squad could look like for their opening weekend showdown with Liverpool in west London.
Goalkeepers: Andre Onana, Kepa Arrizabalaga
Chelsea want to sign a new goalkeeper and by all accounts and purposes, Andre Onana of Inter Milan looks to be their priority target in that position. The Blues and Inter are expected to hold meetings this week to discuss a number of players, with Onana on the agenda.
Meanwhile, football.london understands the club are open to offers for goalkeepers Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga. Both had stints in goal last season but neither impressed enough to be considered as the first-choice goalkeeper for the 2023/24 campaign.
READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All of the latest updates coming from Stamford Bridge
However, it seems unlikely that the club will be able to sell both this summer. Kepa would probably be considered the more difficult player to sell because of his wage demands so there is a chance he will remain at Chelsea next season.
Defenders: Thiago Silva, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Ben Chilwell, Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah
Chelsea have so many defenders and while they are not expected to make any signings in defence, there will be one new face in Malo Gusto, with the right-back arriving after being signed in the January transfer window. Gusto will hopefully be able to provide some support and competition to Reece James following the England international's consistent injury problems in recent seasons.
Benoît Badiashile is out with a long-term injury and while football.london understands the Frenchman is targeting a return in pre-season, the match against Liverpool might be too soon. Chelsea, though are well equipped at the back with Thiago Silva, Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell and Trevoh Chalobah all there for Pochettino to choose from.
Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Carney Chukwuemeka, Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo
There is set to be a mass clear-out of central midfielders this summer. N'Golo Kante is on his way to Saudi Arabia for a new chapter in his career. Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mateo Kovacic are expected to leave the club, while Conor Gallagher, too, has interest from elsewhere in the Premier League.
Chelsea, however, are pushing to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton this summer, football.london understands and with Arsenal reportedly withdrawing their interest, it makes things a bit simpler for the Blues. Brighton, though, are Brighton, though, are notoriously tough negotiators so it will not be straightforward.
Meanwhile, the Blues have an interest in Romeo Lavia from Southampton. The club watched him thoroughly last season, football.london understands, and are considering making a move for the talented Belgian following the Saints' relegation to the Championship.
Forwards: Mason Mount, Christopher Nkunku, Victor Osimhen, Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk, Armando Broja
Whether or not Mason Mount remains at Stamford Bridge remains to be seen. Chelsea are determined to keep Mount but accept it might be difficult and that's why they have placed a £70million price-tag on the England international, who has 12 months remaining on his contract with the west Londoners.
Manchester United are the front-runners to sign Mount but are still some way off what Chelsea value him at. football.london understands the Blues have not made an official contract offer to the England international or his representatives since January.
Christopher Nkunku is on his way from RB Leipzig. That's all done and we're just waiting on an official announcement for that, which is expected to be once he returns from international duty with France.
Chelsea are still on the hunt for a new central striker to try and solve their goalscoring woes. Their dream target is Victor Osimhen from Napoli, who set the Serie A alight last season, helping the Naples-based outfit win the Italian top-flight trophy. However, a deal for the Nigerian might be difficult with the lack of Champions League football and widespread interest in the striker.
The club are also looking at Inter Milan attacker Lautaro Martinez and Villarreal's Nicolas Jackson, with the latter thought to be the cheapest alternative at around £30million. It remains to be seen what Chelsea do in relation to striker targets.
Kai Havertz's future remains uncertain, with Arsenal very interested in the German. But the Blues wouldn't be adverse to selling Havertz should the right offer, believed to be around the £70million-mark, come in for him. There is a school of thought, though, that Chelsea may be a bit more lenient when it comes to Havertz's price than Mount's.
Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are all expected to complete permanent transfers away, while David Datro Fofana is likely to move on loan. Armando Broja is targeting a return from his serious knee injury in pre-season.
READ NEXT:
Mauricio Pochettino can make major Jurgen Klopp statement as Chelsea fixture list revealed
Five games to shape Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea season as Premier League fixtures revealed
