How Chelsea will line up with Nkunku and Gvardiol

Robin Bairner

• 7 Dec 2022 15:16 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea have been no strangers to the transfer market since Todd Boehly’s takeover in the spring, with the Stamford Bridge side embarking on a record-breaking spend in the summer.

The Blues are not about to stop there, though. Graham Potter’s side are already planning for the 2023 transfer market, in which they are set to be as ambitious as they were a year previous.

One deal that is virtually completed is the arrival of Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig, which is scheduled for the summer.

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In addition to the France international, who is out of the World Cup because of injury, Chelsea are also eager to land Josko Gvardiol from the Bundesliga club. The Blues have been tracking the left-sided centre-back for some time and his performances at Qatar 2022 have simply confirmed to them that he has the capacity to play with them on a regular basis.

Meanwhile, there is the possibility that Jude Bellingham or Declan Rice arrives at the club to bolster the midfield, though the competition for the England pair is fierce and will require an immense financial investment to secure the services of either.

But should the other two arrive, how will Chelsea look?

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Chelsea’s starting XI for 2022/23?

Chelsea may well seek to sign a new goalkeeper, but with that part of their side still up for significant debate, Kepa Arrizabalaga looks as likely as anyone to take the spot. Edouard Mendy will, of course, provide competition.

Wesley Fofana will return from injury to feature on the right of the back three, with Thiago Silva providing experience in the heart of the rearguard. Meanwhile, Gvardiol will slot in on the left, displacing Marc Cucurella, who will offer backup either here or as left wing-back.

Assuming neither Bellingham or Rice signs, there will be no dramatic change in the midfield, with Jorginho and Matteo Kovacic in line to start. This presumes that N’Golo Kante cannot agree a new contract and leaves in the summer as a free agent.

In attack, meanwhile, Nkunku can slot in as something of a false nine, supported by two No.10s in the form of Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling. Kai Havertz is the man to drop out here.