Thibaut Courtois, Ross Barkley, Alvaro Morata… how Chelsea could line-up this season as the transfer window slams shut
Football Whispers take a look at how Antonio Conte's Blues could set-up as the transfer window comes to a close
AS any football fan would’ve heard this summer, Antonio Conte hasn’t been particularly happy with Chelsea’s work in the transfer market.
They missed out on Romelu Lukaku, failed to get a deal in place for Virgil van Dijk and failed to land Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Signings have been made with Willy Caballero, Antonio Rudiger, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Alvaro Morata arriving at Stamford Bridge, while they look to be joined by Danny Drinkwater and Ross Barkley.
Fernando Llorente could also still move to west London and Chelsea were reportedly ready to mount one last attempt to sign Alex Sandro from Juventus.
But how will the Blues line-up if they secure the signings they want and need before the transfer window closes.
Our friends at Football Whispers take a look...
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Goalkeeper - Thibaut Courtois
THE big Belgian is Chelsea’s undisputed No1 and the arrival of Caballero this summer was never going to change that.
The Argentine was always going to be a back-up option.
Courtois, who is only 25, has already racked up more than 100 appearances for the Blues and should be their first-choice keeper for years to come.
Centre-back: Cesar Azpilicueta
THERE were reports Barcelona were interested in the Spaniard earlier in the summer but there was no chance Chelsea would let Azpilicueta leave.
The 28-year-old is one of the Premier League’s most complete players; a defender who can play anywhere in defence seamlessly.
He is one of the first names on Conte’s team-sheet.
Centre-back: David Luiz
THE Brazilian rejoined the Blues from PSG last summer and helped Chelsea win the Premier League title in his first season back at Stamford Bridge.
Playing in the middle of Conte’s back three, Luiz has cut out the errors and has become a defensive leader.
There was even talk he could be named Chelsea captain this summer but the armband stayed on Gary Cahill.
Centre-back: Antonio Rudiger
CAHILL may be club captain but that doesn’t mean he is guaranteed a place in the starting XI; John Terry found that out last season.
And, if everyone is fit, Rudiger should start ahead of the England international.
The German looked shaky on his Premier League debut against Burnley but produced solid performances against Tottenham and Everton.
He looks comfortable on the left of the back three; the same can’t always be said for Cahill.
Right wing-back: Victor Moses
IF Oxlade-Chamberlain had joined the Blues then Moses’ position may have been under threat.
However, the England international opted to move to Liverpool so the Nigerian remains Chelsea’s first-choice on the right flank.
Moses isn’t flawless but his transition from inconsistent winger to solid wing-back over the past year has been impressive.
He has Conte’s trust, not every member of the Chelsea squad can say that.
Central midfield: N’Golo Kante
NOW in his third season in English football, Kante is one of European football’s best midfielders.
Nobody has discussed his performances during the current campaign but that’s because we’ve become used to his understated brilliance.
He continues to do the running to two players and has already moved out in front as the player to have made the most tackles in the top flight this season. If fit, he starts.
Central midfield: Tiemoue Bakayoko
THE Frenchman has plenty of competition for a starting berth at Chelsea.
Cesc Fabregas and expected arrival Drinkwater will both push Bakayoko for a place in the first-team but when it comes to the crunch matches, expect the 23-year-old to partner Kante.
His power compliments Kante’s efficiency and while they may not be the most creative of midfielders, few opposing sides will find it easy to break past the duo.
Left wing-back: Alex Sandro
CHELSEA are, according to reports in Italy, going to launch one final push to land Juventus full-back Sandro for £60m.
The Serie A champions turned down several offers from the Blues earlier in the summer but the Premier League champions remain undeterred despite Marcos Alonso’s excellent performances this season.
Attacking midfield: Ross Barkley
THE England international’s refusal to sign a new contract with Everton means a departure this summer was inevitable.
Several clubs are interested in the attacking midfielder but Chelsea are leading the race.
Barkley would face stiff competition from Willian and Pedro to start for Chelsea but his power would complement Eden Hazard’s guile.
Attacking midfield: Eden Hazard
THE first name on the Chelsea teamsheet when fit.
The brilliant Belgian missed the start of the season due to an ankle injury but will return after the international break.
Hazard scored 17 goals and registered seven assists last season. His return ahead of Chelsea’s return to the Champions League will be more than welcome for Conte.
Striker: Alvaro Morata
CHELSEA'S record signing has quickly settled in at Stamford Bridge, where he has two goals and two assists in two Premier League starts.
Having been bought for £60m, Morata is the man who will lead the Blues’ attack.
Llorente, if he joins from Swansea, is capable back-up but won’t start many games.