Chelsea are currently fourth favourites with the bookmakers to win the 2020-21 Premier League title.Frank Lampard’s side, who finished fourth in the table this season, are behind Manchester United, Liverpool and favourites Manchester City in the eyes of the bookies.But are people underestimating the threat Chelsea will pose next season?The Blues have already done some brilliant business this summer, snapping up Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner from Ajax and RB Leipzig, respectively.But the west London outfit are far from finished. They’re on the verge of bringing in several other top players who could turn them from Premier League title outsiders to serious Premier League title challengers.
Left-back Ben Chilwell is poised to arrive in a £50 million deal from Leicester City, Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva is in advanced talks to sign as a free agent, while Chelsea are still in negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen over Kai Havertz.Assuming all three players arrive - which seems likely, as things stand - let’s take a closer look at what Chelsea’s starting line-up could look like next season…Andre OnanaLampard wants a new goalkeeper to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga next season and there are two names in the frame: Ajax’s Andre Onana and Burnley’s Nick Pope.Pope is likely to be more expensive than Onana who, unlike the Englishman, boasts Champions League experience.Can Lampard get the 24-year-old signed in time for Premier League opener against Brighton on September 14?
Reece JamesStill just 20 years old, Reece James has the potential to cement his status as Chelsea’s first-choice right-back for many seasons to come.The England Under-21 international possesses all the attributes to become one of the Premier League’s best full-backs.
Thiago SilvaThiago Silva will bring bags of experience to Chelsea’s defence. The big question is: how well will he adapt to Premier League football at the age of 35?It’s a gamble on Lampard’s part, but one which has the potential to pay off handsomely.
Kurt ZoumaThe 25-year-old would certainly benefit from having Silva in the same dressing room.
Ben ChilwellAn upgrade on Marcos Alonso without doubt, Ben Chilwell will be an excellent addition to Lampard’s squad this summer.The deal isn’t over the line at the time of writing, but it’s close.
Kai HavertzSimilarly, Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of adding the gifted Kai Havertz to their ranks.The 21-year-old oozes class and will cause plenty of havoc in between the lines against Premier League opposition next summer.Havertz has the potential to be a game-changing signing for the Blues.
N’Golo Kante
Wasn’t always at his best during the 2019-20 season, but still one of the world’s best defensive midfielders.
N’Golo Kante, 30 next season, still has a big role to play at the Bridge.
Mateo Kovacic
Mateo Kovacic is about to begin his third season as a Chelsea player - his second campaign since joining permanently from Real Madrid - and it’ll be fascinating to see how the Croatian midfielder performs with even better players around him.
The 26-year-old is a class act who sometimes goes a little under the radar.
Christian Pulisic
After a magnificent end to the 2019-20 season, Christian Pulisic will surely be one of the first names on the teamsheet next term.
A potential winner of the 2020-21 PFA Premier League Player of the Year award?
Timo Werner
Timo Werner netted 34 goals in 45 games for RB Leipzig last season and Chelsea fans can’t wait to see the German striker on the pitch in a blue shirt.
The 24-year-old, who Liverpool were also interested in, appears to be ideally suited to the Premier League.
Hakim Ziyech
A fabulous footballer to watch, Hakim Ziyech could be one of the signings of the summer.
The 27-year-old winger is blessed with a dangerous left foot that can open up any defence.
Putting these 11 players into formation, here’s how Chelsea’s starting line-up could look at the start of the new season…
There’s quality throughout that side, particularly in the attacking positions.
Yes, there are some question marks over the defence, but we all know what Silva is capable of.
Much may depend on how well the experienced South American adjusts to the hustle and bustle of the Premier League.
There are fewer doubts about the likes of Werner, Ziyech and Havertz, all of whom should have no problem hitting the ground running.