Following one of the worst Chelsea seasons in recent memory, there are strong suggestions that the Blues could undergo a major overhaul this summer.
With Antonio Conte on the way to Stamford Bridge after Euro 2016, the proverbial transfer rumour mill has gone into overdrive ahead of the Italian’s arrival.
As you might expect, many of the rumours tend to have a rather Italian based flavour to them, with their incoming boss boasting a vast array of knowledge of Serie A.
Having won it three times in a row with Juventus, it’s easy to see why a host of players based there are touted as potential targets.
Napoli hitman Gonzalo Higuain has been linked with a mega money move to the club after dispelling any notion he is not as good as people might previously have thought.
While that’s quite an obvious rumour considering his stellar form, links with former Newcastle United playmaker Hatem Ben Arfa are more left-field.
The Frenchman has been in dazzling form for Nice after putting his English nightmare behind and the mere thought of fielding the two together is mouth watering.
But who could follow? What sort of team will Conte put out?
Well, here’s what we think. Using a 4-2-3-1 formation.
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PRESS THE IMAGE TO SEE THE DREAM CHELSEA XI INCLUDING GONZALO HIGUAIN AND BEN ARFA.
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Thibaut Courtois
Ok, Thibaut Courtois has been linked with a move away from the club following a dip in form during the meek surrender that is the season.
However, despite his malaise, the Belgian remains one of the best stoppers in Europe and was picked as Petr Cech’s successor only a year ago.
Surely, that’s got to count for something.
On form, he’s the dream custodian for the Blues.
Branislav Ivanovic
Was awful at the start of the season, though the club rewarded him with a new deal in February after the Serbian stalwart picked his game up following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho.
Should be afforded another year considering the relative dearth of top class right-backs.
Kurt Zouma
The excitement surrounding Kurt Zouma may have died down recently following an awful for the club as a whole, though there is little doubt the Frenchman is one of the most promising defenders around.
A stopper in the truest sense, the Blues will no doubt be hoping he returns from injury with little problems.
Leonardo Bonucci
Conte’s lieutenant at both club and country level, Leonardo Bonucci is certainly a big enough name to fill the shoes of John Terry.
Like the Stamford stalwart, Juventus’ Bonucci is a defender who relies on his astute reading of the game rather than pace.
A formidable defender, he could prove to be quite the lynchpin.
César Azpilicueta
Aside from being skinned by Riyad Mahrez (though many top defenders have been guilty of that this term) César Azpilicueta remains a dependable defender and one of few left-backs who takes their defensive duties as seriously as their attacking ones.
Radja Nainggolan
One of the worst kept secrets of the transfer window is that Antonio Conte wants Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan to join him in West London.
The 28-year old will bring energy and urgency to the engine room in equal measure, replacing some of the dynamism lost when Ramires left in January and Nemanja Matic lost all trace of form.
His defensive work will free up the pass master next to him, while surging late runs into the box should prove be useful when the goal tallies are added up at the end of the season.
Cesc Fabregas
Like Chelsea in a much wider sense, Cesc Fabregas’ form has been up and down this season. Awful under Jose Mourinho and sometimes excellent under Guus Hiddink, the Spaniard has oh so much more to give.
Undoubtedly one of the best deep-lying playmakers in the world, it’ll be interesting to see how well he does when paired with a work horse like Nainggolan.
Eden Hazard
It’s been a dreadful season for Eden Hazard. Last season’s Player of the Year has been just awful for much of the campaign, though if his last two outings are anything to go by, will be back with a vengeance.
Though the Belgian has been a major flop this season, having in full flow in time for next term could be the biggest addition Conte could hope to make.
Hatem Ben Arfa
What a story this would be. Hatem Ben Arfa was axed from both Newcastle United and Hull City, appearing as if his top level career was all but over.
However, the French playmaker has dazzled for Nice and has reportedly attracted the attention of some of the biggest clubs in the world.
If he can keep his form up, there are few more gifted players in Europe when running at defences with the ball at his feet, looking to create space for himself or others.
Willian
Really the only Chelsea player to come out of this season with his reputation enhanced.
Willian has stepped up in the absence of Eden Hazard, fast becoming one of the most important players the Blues have to offer.
A dead ball specialist, the Brazilian simply must continue his upward trajectory under Conte.
Gonzalo Higuain
With doubts remaining over Diego Costa, a move for Gonzalo Higuain makes sense.
Though the Argentine struggled to convince towards the latter part of his Real Madrid career, he has excelled for Napoli.
One of the most potent frontmen in Europe, he’s the best available option to replace Costa and could plunder goals aplenty in the Premier League,
