How Chelsea Could Line Up Next Season After at Least Five Key Players Leave the Club

Chelsea fans were prepared for a massive squad overhaul this summer after a disappointing season which saw them finish 12th in the Premier League standings.

The Blues' shortcomings in the 2022/2023 season were not for a lack of trying, as the new owners pumped in an excess of €600 million to bring in new players.

With every new arrival, however, the numerous coaches Chelsea had last season had to contend with a ballooning squad where keeping everyone happy was difficult.

Incoming manager, Mauricio Pochettino's first task was certainly to clear out the squad and retain a number of players he could work with.

But as it appears, the club is already a step ahead after at least five players left on June 21, as reported by transfer specialist, Fabrizio Romano.

Players who have left Chelsea

N'Golo Kante's exit on a free transfer was confirmed by the club, with Hakim Ziyech, Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly expected to follow him to Saudi Arabia. Matteo Kovacic is on the verge of joining Manchester City, while Kai Havertz is set to dump one side of London for the other.

Under different circumstances, all these players were guaranteed starters at Chelsea. This begs the question: how will Pochettino approach next season? Does he have enough firepower to challenge for titles on multiple fronts or will he need reinforcements?

Keeping in mind the Argentine's favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, Sports Brief takes a look at how the Blues could possibly look next season.

1. Goalkeeper

Pochettino has reportedly decided to stick with Kepa Arrizabalag as goalkeeper number one. The world's most expensive custodian underwent some form of renaissance last season and that is set to pay, as reported by Sports Brief.

5 midfielders Chelsea can sign as N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic exits draw closer

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2. Defence

Thiago Silva is expected to keep going strong despite his advanced age, as he offers his invaluable experience to the squad. Benoit Badiashile's injury means that he won't be quite ready until after the season has started.

This leaves Wesley Fofana as the ideal partner for Silva at the back. Reports indicate that Trevoh Chalobah could leave with Levi Colwill expected to return after impressing away on loan at Brighton and Hove Albion.

Reece James and Ben Chilwell will remain the obvious full-back picks, with Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella filling in from time to time. The future of legendary player and captain, Cesar Azpilicueta, remains unknown.

3. Midfield

There is no doubt that Enzo Fernandez is the present and future of Chelsea's engine room. The departure of Jorginho, Kante, and Kovacic means that the club will need a completely new look next season.

This is an area Chelsea must reinforce this summer to avoid another calamitous campaign. A proper defensive midfielder would free Fernandez to move up the pitch. A deal for Moises Caicedo is understood to be 'extremely close'.

4. Attacking midfield/wingers

Mason Mount's future at the club remains unknown, but should he stay, he will be the prime candidate to slot into the number 10 position. New signing, Cristopher Nkunku, can comfortably handle this area as well but with Chelsea still lacking a recognised striker, the Frenchman might as well lead the line next season.

Pochettino will be spoilt for choices on the wing. Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Christian Pulisic will have to compete for the two spots.

5. Striker

With Havertz, Romelu Lukaku, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaving, the Blues will remain with Nkunku as anything close to a striker.

Pochettino has in the past used out-and-out number 9s and Chelsea is expected to test the waters to find a player that fits that profile. Napoli's Victor Osimhen has been mentioned, with Harry Kane believed to be out of reach.

Armando Broja could be an option as well, but there is no idea how the youngster will return after a damaging Achilles tendon injury.

What Chelsea needs to do

Pochettino urgently needs a midfielder - getting two would be a bonus. Adding a world-class striker would also be good business for him to start off his West London reign.

Probable Chelsea line-up next season: Arrizabalaga; James, Fofana, Silva, Chilwell; Caicedo, Fernandez; Sterling, Mount, Madueke; Nkunku

Why Nkunku celebrates with balloon

Nkunku has become the latest marquee player to sign for Chelsea. The French winger sealed a move from RB Leipzig to London on a six-year contract.

Sports Brief has reported that apart from his ability to get out of presses, the new star is expected to bring a new celebration with him to Stamford Bridge.