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Chelsea's scary XI if Jules Kounde and Saul Niguez follow Romelu Lukaku transfer
Chelsea have transfer interest in Jules Kounde and Saul Niguez as the clock ticks down towards August 31.
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Chelsea are interested in signing Jules Kounde and Saul Niguez before the transfer window slams shut. Both players sparkled for Sevilla and Atletico Madrid respectively last term, putting them on Thomas Tuchel’s radar in the process. So Express Sport will now take a look at how the Blues could line up if they’re successful in bringing the pair to Stamford Bridge before August 31.
Goalkeeper: Mendy
Chelsea finally have stability between the sticks again.
Following Thibaut Courtois’ move to Real Madrid in the summer transfer window of 2019, the Blues saw Kepa Arrizabalaga struggle.
But their decision to sign Edouard Mendy a year ago has paid off, with the Chelsea star shining during his time in the capital.
Mendy is poised to be their No 1 for years to come.
And Chelsea aren’t expected to sign a new goalkeeper anytime soon, especially with Kepa looking likely to stay put.
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Defence: Kounde, Christensen, Rudiger
Chelsea are expected to phase Thiago Silva out this term, with the Brazil international entering the twilight years of his career.
And while Trevoh Chalobah has talent, he’s still not expected to start every single match for the Blues.
Chelsea want to land Kounde from Sevilla, having been locked in talks with the La Liga giants for the last couple of weeks.
And, if he joins, he’d likely slot into a back three.
Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger also feature, particularly with Kurt Zouma being expected to leave.
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Midfield: Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Saul, Alonso
Chelsea lined up for their 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace with Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso playing in the wing-back positions.
And that’s expected to stay the same as the Blues look to win the title this term.
In the heart of their side, however, could soon be Saul.
The Atletico Madrid star has been consistent in Spain over the last few years and helped his side lift the La Liga trophy last time out.
So if Saul does join Chelsea, he’s likely to be deployed alongside Jorginho - at least until N’Golo Kante is fit again.
Attack: Mount, Havertz, Lukaku
Chelsea boss Tuchel is a huge fan of Mason Mount.
He’s Mr Dependable in the Blues’ attack and, though he also has Timo Werner available, the German doesn’t always trust his compatriot.
So, when Chelsea are at their strongest, Mount and Kai Havertz are expected to line up either side of Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku recently moved back to west London from Inter Milan in a huge £98million transfer deal.
And he could make his debut when they face off against Arsenal on Sunday.
Chelsea next five fixtures:
Arsenal - August 22 - Premier League
Liverpool - August 28 - Premier League
Aston Villa - September 11 - Premier League
Tottenham - September 19 - Premier League
Manchester City - September 25 - Premier League