Although Chelsea's most pressing need might be getting new bodies into the defence or in attack following the exits of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner, a new central midfielder might come to prove one of the window's most eye-catching additions.
Manchester United's dream summer target Frenkie de Jong, if reports are to be believed, is firmly in Chelsea's eye and Todd Boehly could have enough to lure the unsettled Dutch playmaker to west London.
De Jong certainly fits the mould of a player Chelsea have become used to having in the centre of the park in recent years. Aesthetically pleasing and technically comfortable in possession.
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Some have already compared De Jong's style to Mateo Kovacic, prompting questions again over the need to pursue a different profile of midfielder such as Declan Rice, who has long been linked to the club.
A reported fee is expected to be around £70m, pretty high for this window but could still be trumped by the pursuit for Leicester defender Wesley Fofana.
In the midst of discussions surrounding Chelsea's attacking shortcomings, the lure for a creative midfielder has been touted consistently by supporters. De Jong could potentially offer that under Thomas Tuchel, proving to be more influential in the final third than investing in another striker or wide player.
De Jong's price and reputation would certainly garner him instant minutes, so let's take a look at the different formations Tuchel could deploy if Chelsea completes another transfer hijack and seal the services of United's dream addition.
The 3-4-2-1
Playing it safe and sticking with the same formation Tuchel has used for the majority of his time as Chelsea head coach, De Jong probably only fits two slots, and this is in the centre of midfield in the "double six".
N'Golo Kante, Jorginho and Kovacic have taken up most minutes here and have at times remained pretty cautious in their play, with at least one naturally sitting deeper, usually Jorginho, whilst Kante or Kovacic look to be the ball carrier.
De Jong certainly would be seen as the more progressive and adventurous of the pair here, meaning that matching him with a more defensively minded player makes more sense. De Jong has played in this role for club and country.
The 4-3-3/4-2-3-1
Should Tuchel move to a four-man defence this season, De Jong would very naturally fill as one of the two eight's ahead of a deeper playmaker as he has been doing over pre-season for Barcelona in America.
Late last season for Xavi he played in a pivot alongside Gavi in a 4-2-3-1. The 25-year-old needs to start from a deeper position to make his long dribbling runs through the centre and construct play from deep, so this role could maybe replicate his work for Barcelona and Ajax.
Looking to drive the ball forward and connect with a front three, which would likely contain Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz.
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