Graham Potter could have his dream starting line-up if Chelsea can complete the signing of Enzo Fernandez before the January transfer deadline. The Benfica star continues to be heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as Todd Boehly looks to further bolster the club's options.
The Blues have already welcomed six new faces to Cobham this month as they look to mount a late push for a top-four place. But, the Argentina international would be the final piece of the puzzle which glues the starting line-up together.
football.london understands that Chelsea have held extensive talks yesterday with the Portuguese giants and tabled an offer which is thought to be worth in excess of the £105million release clause in Fernandez's contract. But, the fee would be spread out over instalments rather than being paid in full.
READ MORE: Chelsea tipped to complete three deadline day transfers including Enzo Fernandez
With the 22-year-old keen on joining the west Londoners this month, it's understood that there is confidence among an agreement will be reached but Benfica are yet to communicate their decision.
So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at how Chelsea could line up after for the second-half of the season if Boehly can lure Fernandez away from the Eagles before the deadline.
4-3-3
A front-three of Mykhailo Mudryk, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke will be a sight to behold for Chelsea fans. With such a strong frontline, Mason Mount will finally be granted some respite in the chance-creation department and, therefore, likely return to the advanced eight role in a three.
Alongside Mount would likely sit Mateo Kovacic, Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek or N'Golo Kante, with Fernandez in the holding role. The Argentine could feature further forward as a box-to-box or as an eight but Chelsea aren't blessed with defensive midfielders.
3-4-2-1
Fernandez would be tasked with maintaining the shape of Chelsea in this formation. All too often have Blues centre-midfielders in this formation looked to receive the ball on the half-turn in pockets, blocking passing lanes to the inside-forwards, rather than dictating possession from deep.
The west Londoners can do just that with Jorginho but Fernandez is far more versatile. With a forward-runner alongside the Benfica star, he can work his magic in the middle of the pitch.
4-2-3-1
This formation could be just as exciting, with Felix pulling the strings in the middle of the park and Fernandez partnered by N'Golo Kante in a pivot. Chelsea would have great balance.
The only problem with this formation is that the distance between the wingers and Havertz, who is likely to lead the line, could be too great. Therefore, there would be a heavy reliance on Felix and the passing range of Fernandez if the German decides to run in behind.
Final Verdict
Out of the three aforementioned starting lineups, the 4-3-3 is the strongest, tactically. But, the 4-2-3-1 could be just as effective if Chelsea are on the front foot, with Felix offering far more creativity and technical prowess.
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