How Chelsea will line up with Aubameyang
Chelsea have been busy in the summer transfer window, with four players coming in and more set to arrive soon, as they prepare to close the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have already added Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella and youngster Carney Chukwuemeka to their squad.
Yet, the west London club are working on deals for Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana and Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Should those two sign, manager Thomas Tuchel will have the necessary talent to compete on all fronts in the 2022-23 season. Here's how the Blues could line up:
Chelsea with Fofana & Aubameyang
Chelsea should retain their trusted 5-2-3 formation, used frequently by Tuchel since he took over the side back in January 2021.
Edouard Mendy will continue in goal; he has no real competition from Kepa Arrizabalaga or Marcus Bettinelli.
The back line will see the biggest changes as Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana come in, replacing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Thiago Silva will retain his place in the middle of the back three, hoping to remain at the top of his game at 37 years of age.
The left wing-back could be Marc Cucurella, who joined in a £62 million deal from Brighton. Ben Chilwell would be unlucky to miss out.
On the right, Reece James, who was excellent in the last campaign, will keep his place.
Chelsea are in direct contact for Pierre Aubameyang and Wesley Fofana as priority deals, but still working on top talents for the future. New round of talks scheduled with Inter for Cesare Casadei next week. 🚨🔵 #CFC
Race still open but Chelsea want to try again with new bid.— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 14, 2022
In midfield, the duo of Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante could be preferred, with Jorginho and Conor Gallagher ready to step up when needed.
Up front, new signing Sterling will take his place on the left, hoping to provide the same attacking threat he displayed consistently at Manchester City.
He’ll be supported by Mason Mount on the right side with Aubameyang up top, who excelled under Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund.