How Chelsea could line up next season with Raphinha, Raheem Sterling, Matthijs de Ligt and Ousmane Dembele

A new dawn has broken at Chelsea with owner Todd Boehly keen to kick off his new era with a few statement signings.

Standard Sport understands the club want to make Raheem Sterling the headline summer addition as manager Thomas Tuchel looks to refresh his forward line after a profligate season.

Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele are also targets, though Barcelona want to sign the former and keep the latter.

At the back, having lost both Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger on free transfers, Tuchel and Boehly have launched an audacious bid to sign Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus. Nathan Ake is another target, bringing the former Blues back from Manchester City.

So, four new faces and likely more to come - here’s how Chelsea could line up next season.

Evening Standard

Out with the old and in with the new for Chelsea up top. Romelu Lukaku is already out the door, heading back to Inter Milan on loan, and the likes of Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech all face uncertain futures.

A deal with Raphinha has been agreed with Leeds but the player is waiting on Barca. Should he join, he is best suited on the right flank, though has also played off the left at Elland Road, albeit rarely.

Sterling could take up his role on the left flank but, again, can be used across the front line. His versatility will be key in what is expected to be a fluid attack either side of Kai Havertz, who is not an out-and-out striker.

Evening Standard

Dembele will be vying for a spot on the flanks, preferably on the right where he is best suited. Mason Mount is another who can play further forward, but enjoys a central role and could take a deeper starting position.

At the back, De Ligt should slot straight into defence alongside Thiago Silva, flanked by two of the best wing-backs in Europe. Nathan Ake would likely rotate with Silva, who turns 38 years old in September.

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