Speculation concerning Chelsea’s next long-term manager has been rife in the Transfer Tavern ever since Guus Hiddink’s reign was announced as only on a temporary basis, which has led to constant reports of who the Blues could appoint.
With Chelsea enduring an abysmal season, that sees them closer to the relegation places than the top four, the new boss will oversee a massive overhaul of the squad.
Our punters believe that Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri is the favourite to be appointed at Stamford Bridge and they’ve excitedly been discussing how the team would look next season if the Italian boss has his way with the squad.
We were intrigued, so we asked them to scribble down a possible line-up onto a napkin and we have to say this team looks incredible, if not expensive. Roman Abramovich has deep pockets though so this is a team that we could see next season!
Hit Allegri below to see how his Chelsea XI could line-up!
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Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian goalkeeper is one of the most highly-rated shot stoppers in European football and whilst the Blues have endured a decline this season, it’s largely down the the team in front of him and Courtois is far from directly responsible.
Chelsea may have a job on their hands to convince the goalkeeper to remain at Stamford Bridge without the lure of Champions League football but they’re in a strong bargaining position financially and there isn’t too many top sides in Europe looking for a goalkeeper right now.
As such, it would be a surprise to see Allegri offload Courtois and he’s likely to be a crucial part of the new-look Chelsea side.
Cesar Azpilicueta
From next season, Cesar Azpilicueta could be set to finally enjoy a role in his favoured right-back position after spending the majority of his career at Chelsea on the opposite side of defence, making room for Branislav Ivanovic.
With Ivanovic approaching the eclipse of his successful career, and his form this season taking a hit, Azpilicueta is likely to get the nod ahead of the Serbian. That leaves the left-back position free for a new arrival, which Chelsea are likely to look for.
John Stones
After failing on numerous occasions to snatch John Stones from Everton last summer, Chelsea will return for their man this year. Whilst a year ago they failed to convince the Toffees to sell, the next transfer window could be an entirely different story.
Everton haven’t been great this season and are not likely to be able to offer European football, whilst Stones will not have to worry about his England spot as after this summer he’ll have two years to settle before the World Cup.
A difficulty though could be the lack of Champions League football at Stamford Bridge, which may play into the hands of both Manchester clubs.
Kurt Zouma
The young French defender has been a shining light in an otherwise dark campaign for the Blues, with Zouma impressing and forcing himself into the starting line-up. With John Terry set to depart this summer, the role will be Zouma’s for the foreseeable future.
Whilst this would leave Gary Cahill out of the team, speculation has been rife concerning a possible exit for the England international and Allegri would be likely to allow him to leave in order to create a young, new-look Chelsea defence.
Gregory Van Der Wiel
With Cesar Azpilicueta moving to the right of defence, Chelsea will need a left-back and it could be the summer they finally get their hands on Gregory Van Der Wiel. The Paris Saint-Germain full-back has found first-team football difficult to come by this season, which increases Chelsea’s chances of securing a move.
The Dutchman would provide a wealth of experience to the squad and it would give Baba Rahman another year or so to settle into the English game, rather than be thrown into a deep end after a first year where he hasn’t played much first-team football.
Mario Gotze
A massive target for Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri last summer, with the Italian looking to replace Andrea Pirlo in the heart of his midfield, Allegri could finally land his man with the financial firepower of Chelsea.
Gotze has struggled to make an impression at Bayern Munich since controversially leaving Borussia Dortmund and it remains to be seen whether he will be in the plans of new boss Carlo Ancelotti. If he doesn’t get first-team assurances, he may seek an exit.
Like many other targets though, Chelsea would have to try to persuade the World Cup winner to move to Stamford Bridge without the offer of Champions League football- and that could be a difficult task.
Cesc Fabregas
A stellar performer in Chelsea’s Premier League winning title side last term, Cesc Fabregas has struggled in his second-season at Stamford Bridge. However, he’s started to find form again in recent months and an exit for the Spaniard is unlikely.
This is mainly due to the lack of potential suitors, as Fabregas would be unlikely to move to a Spanish side other than Barcelona, where he’s already been, and other sides across Europe are unlikely to make a move with so many top targets out there.
That would play into Chelsea’s hands though, who could use his experienced control in the middle of the park for their new-look side.
Paul Pogba
The dream signing for many top sides across Europe could be available on the market this summer, with it quite clear Juventus have reached their pinnacle. They fought back from relegation to dominate Italian football once again and got to the Champions League final last term.
This season though, Juventus haven’t quite been as strong. They’re in a close battle for the Serie A title, with it clear they struggled at the start of the campaign without Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal.
Whilst Pogba could leave this summer, he’s still under a lot of pressure to fulfil his enormous potential. He’s likely to want a crack at the Premier League, having never been given a chance by Manchester United, and it would be less of a risk for his career if he were to follow his current manager.
Willian
In Chelsea’s abysmal campaign, Brazilian midfielder Willian has been the stand-out performer for the Blues. At times, he’s been the ultimate savour and he can continue to become a massive hero at Stamford Bridge.
With Eden Hazard being chased by Real Madrid, Willian may have to step-up and be a big-name player in the Chelsea side. His performances this season have shown he can do it though, so it shouldn’t be an issue for him.
Jamie Vardy
Jamie Vardy has taken the Premier League by storm this season, in what’s been a remarkable push for the title from Leicester City, and despite recently penning a new contract he could be on the move this summer- even if Leicester go all the way and/or qualify for the Champions League.
The reasons for this is at 29 this could be his last chance to play for a ‘big’ club and, should he stay at Leicester, he’ll be 30 by the end of next season. Chelsea would be the side most capable of offering first-team football but he wouldn’t have his chance at the Champions League, which may be decisive.
Paulo Dybala
Another possible striking option for Chelsea, Paulo Dybala is linked with a host of top sides this summer and the young striker could comfortably follow his current manager from Juventus to the Premier League.
Just 22-years-old, Dybala has years ahead of him and proving himself in English football would see the youngster’s transfer value skyrocket. Whilst he would have to concede Champions League football to move to Stamford Bridge, following Allegri to West London would ensure a more comfortable transition.
