Chelsea's attack for next season could look rather different if two signings in particular were to happen in this summer's transfer window.
It has taken a short while for Chelsea to get going in the summer transfer window following months of sanctions that prevented them from making headway, but with Romelu Lukaku's situation seemingly heading towards a positive conclusion, attention is starting to finally switch towards incomings. Although defence is the main priority in this summer's transfer window amid fresh updates on Jules Kounde and Man City's Nathan Ake, it is in fact another player from the current Premier League champions who could be joining Chelsea next season.
This is according to The Athletic, who report that confidence is growing between both parties that a deal can be completed in the near future which will see the player make the move that he hopes guarantees him more regular first-team football. Sterling is set to enter the final year of his contract with City, and reports do vary on the potential cost to Chelsea, with estimates between £35million and £60million. Regardless of what fee is to be agreed upon, it is looking clear now that Sterling will become one of the first signings of the Boehly era at Stamford Bridge, with Kounde and Ousmane Dembele also strongly linked.
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Dembele is set to make his final decision about his future upon his return from holiday, despite speaking about his current situation with a Barca supporter in a recent encounter. His injury record was reportedly of concern to the higher-ups at Stamford Bridge if he was to be brought in. Amidst the rumours that the 27-year-old's arrival could end any Dembele transfer hope, football.london understands that the Blues are planning to bring both aforementioned targets in to help refresh the attack.
The business up to may not stop there though despite the need for major defensive surgery and potentially in the midfield too if Ruben Loftus-Cheek was to leave amid fresh Lazio transfer updates. It is well known that a new striker is wanted and Robert Lewandowski is viewed as the ideal man to take on the mantle that is going to be left by the £97.5m club-record signing. His willingness though to join Barcelona has made this one a no-go so far. Alternative options had included Lautaro Martinez, Darwin Nunez and Jonathan David.
However, Lautaro wants to stay put at Inter whilst Nunez moved to Premier League rivals Liverpool. Nothing concrete recently has come out on Lille forward David, so that is certainly one to look out for throughout the window. Currently, though, the striker options that manager Thomas Tuchel will have at his disposal will be Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Armando Broja. The latter two have been linked away this summer but it seems unlikely Todd Boehly would let both go prior to a World Cup season which will see squad depth tested to the maximum. Replacements would have to be purchased in the worst-case scenario.
With much of this transfer window still to play out, what would Chelsea's best front three combination be ahead of this unusual up-and-coming season kicking off in early August if Sterling and Dembele both arrive?
Starting front three: Ousmane Dembele, Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz.
Substitute options for the attack- Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Mason Mount- although Mount could still take to the field with the listed front three but in a deeper midfield position if Tuchel was to change to a 4-3-3 formation.
Chelsea fans- With both Raheem Sterling and Ousmane Dembele predicted to sign, who would be your ideal front three that you want to see Thomas Tuchel field week in, week out? Leave your thoughts down below in the comments section!
