Chelsea’s title-challenging XI next season with Harry Kane and two other transfers

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Bar their recent blip which included defeats at the hands of Arsenal and Leicester in the FA Cup final, there has been much to admire about Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea. That was perhaps typified by the impressive wins at the hands of Manchester City and Real Madrid before their minor wobble and on the basis of those performances, Chelsea will be a force to be reckoned with next season.

Tuchel will be keen on putting his own stamp on this side though, given the squad he inherited belonged to Frank Lampard.

The German knows his side are just a few successful signings away from assembling a title-winning team or one that is ready to challenge next season.

Chelsea are expected to clear the decks and raise some cash by offloading some deadwood within their ranks.

But in terms of the starting XI, there is much that needs improving besides the obvious absence of a top-class striker.

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Tuchel will be expected to stick with the 3-4-3 formation that has brought him joy this season.

Edouard Mendy should keep his place between the sticks with Kepa Arrizabalaga expected to be sold.

In front of Mendy, there could be changes to the back three.

Wolfsburg’s Maxence Lacroix is a target for the Blues and the young Frenchman looks a world-class prospect.

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If signed, he could slot straight in at the back in place of Cesar Azpilicueta, who will remain an important figure in the dressing room and squad player.

Thiago Silva is expected to sign a one-year contract extension, with Antonio Rudiger also set to put pen to paper at the end of the campaign. Both should keep their place in defence.

Ben Chilwell has had to fight off Marcos Alonso but he is undoubtedly Chelsea’s first-choice left-back moving forward.

The same can be said of Reece James, who still has more to give under Tuchel but he is also expected to start next season.

In midfield, there could be room for a new acquisition in the form of Declan Rice.

He remains a player of interest to Chelsea despite Lampard’s departure and could take Jorginho’s place in the starting XI.

N’Golo Kante picks himself alongside him. The World Cup winner is no longer considered as a defensive midfielder, meaning there is still room for Rice in the engine room.

Ahead of them in attacking midfield, Mason Mount has become undroppable at Stamford Bridge.

He is a future Chelsea captain and is a nailed-on starter, while Timo Werner could also keep his place.

Werner’s finishing has rightfully been called into question but still, Tuchel continues to pick him.

The forward’s pressing, movement and runs in behind is still of huge to Chelsea and if he can find his scoring boots, he can still play behind the striker as he has done on several occasions this season.

If Chelsea can somehow land Harry Kane, he would unquestionably spearhead the attack and bring the goals the Blues have been so desperately lacking.

Whether Chelsea can twist Spurs’ arm and convince the player though, remains another question.

Potential Chelsea XI next season with Harry Kane and two other transfers: Mendy; Lacroix, Thiago Silva, Rudiger; Chilwell, Kante, Rice, James; Mount, Werner, Kane.

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