Chelsea look set to lift the Premier League trophy once again this season and Jose Mourinho has masterminded his side to a commanding position after some fantastic transfer dealings last summer, which saw Atletico Madrid hotshot Diego Costa make the move to west London. If reports are to be believed though, there could be some equally-impressive names joining later this year too…
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Here’s how the Blues could line up in the 2016/17 campaign…
Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian goalkeeper has come back from his two season stay at Atletico Madrid and managed to displace established number one Petr Cech. Courtois has impressed, making eight clean sheets with many performances belying his young age.
Branislav Ivanovic
Ivanovic is 31 years of age at the moment, but has showed no signs of slowing up and will have at least four more seasons at the top of professional football and as a lynch-pin for Chelsea.
Raphael Varane
The man has been hugely impressive for Real Madrid and at only 21-years-old is widely regarded as one of the world’s best defenders already. He will only get better and should Chelsea sign him, he could make a brilliant replacement for Gary Cahill, who has looked shaky at times this season.
Kurt Zouma
Signed last season, the bustling Frenchman looks a ready made replacement for John Terry, ready for his Chelsea exit due to his advancing years. Zouma has impressed with his no nonsense, neck on the line style this season and has been likened to Marcel Desailly.
Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spaniard has emerged to become Chelsea’s first choice left back following the exit of Ashley Cole to Roma, leaving new signing Felipe Luis in the dark. He looks to like he’ll go from strength to strength for a side where the sky seems to be the limit.
Nemanja Matic
One of the top performers for the Blues since re-signing from Benfica. The Serbian who spent a period at Stamford Bridge as a youngster has been hugely important in their title tilt this season, having a fantastic ability to break up the opposition play and start attacks.
Paul Pogba
If Chelsea could pull off the signing of the midfielder who went against the wishes of Sir Alex Ferguson to leave Manchester United and forge a career elsewhere, it would make them a scary prospect for any team in world football. Another play who, at a young age, is only likely to get better which is a frightening thought for the regular Juventus starter.
Cesc Fabregas
A revelation since moving back to London after his brief stay at Barcelona bringing a slice of the Catalan style of play to the Premier League. The Spain international has scored four this season and assisted an astonishing 18 goals, it is of paramount importance the Blues keep hold of him.
Gareth Bale
The Welsh winger is reportedly unsettled at the Bernabeu after becoming a scapegoat with Real Madrid fans for a spell since new year which has seen the club knocked off top spot in La Liga, lose 4-0 to bitter rivals Atletico Madrid and almost knocked out of the Champions League after a 4-3 home loss to Schalke. Bale cupped his ears to home fans after scoring a brace against Levante and it is thought could welcome a move closer to home.
Eden Hazard
The young Belgian has recently signed a long term contract, safeguarding his Chelsea future for the next five years which will have delighted Blues fans.He has scored 15 and assisted eight this season, impressing time after time since his move from French side Lille.
Diego Costa
One of the success stories from the summer transfer window, Costa has taken his Atletico form to Chelsea with him, scoring 18 times for the Stamford Bridge club and has plenty more years left in his career.