At some point, the 2020/21 season will actually start. It might be in August, December or some time in 2021, but we'll get there at some point, and it looks like it will be a big campaign for Chelsea.
The season of transitioning from an Eden Hazard-led machine into Frank Lampard's young superstars was going better than many expected before the action was postponed. Chelsea are on track to qualify for the Champions League, so next year is about improvement.
For the first time in what feels like forever, there's a real sense of direction about Chelsea. The young core should continue to grow and improve with each passing day, and a few minor tweaks should see the Blues climb even higher in the table.
With no transfer ban to contend with this summer, fans can expect some real improvement to the squad. Hakim Ziyech is already on his way, and a few more new faces could be all this side needs to become something special.
Here's how a dream Chelsea squad could look if this summer went their way.
Transfers In
Ziyech will be a welcome addition, but it's not enough. As previously revealed by 90min, the focus is on finding a new striker and centre-back, but there's a few other positions which need improving along the way. With the money from Hazard and
Jadon Sancho - This is a dream squad, right? Landing Sancho would not be easy, especially with Manchester United sniffing about, but it's not outlandish to suggest that the Englishman will head to Stamford Bridge this summer. £100m
Jeremie Boga - The need for depth out wide should push Chelsea to consider bringing former academy star Boga back this summer, and he would be an easy deal thanks to the buy-back clause in his contract. £17.5m
Dayot Upamecano - He's young, he's talented and he's affordable. Upamecano is the perfect man for Chelsea's rebuild, so Lampard should go all-out for him. £55m
Alex Telles - What's that? A reliable left-back who can actually create opportunities going forward? It's been a long time since we've seen one of those at the Bridge. £25m
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - With Aubameyang's contract with Arsenal running down, it has been confirmed to 90min that Chelsea are interested in swooping for him. He scores plenty of goals and would give Tammy Abraham a few years to learn and grow. £50m
Angel Gomes - If we've learned anything about Chelsea's transfer strategy, it's that you can never have too many young players. Gomes is a special talent who just needs a break, and Chelsea can offer him that. Free
Potential Spend: £247.5m
We haven't seen a transfer window like this in a while, but there's a real optimism about this summer. Lampard is leading the charge and
Transfers Out
Unless you've got ten hours to spare, don't get a Chelsea fan started on the need to clear out the deadwood in the squad. The Blues want to be the best around, but there are too many players in the squad who will stop them from getting there. To quote AFTV's Claude: it's timeeeeee to go!!!!!
Willian - With his contract winding down, it's time to bring the years of frustration to an end and let him go. Free
Pedro - It's the exact same as Willian. Thank you and goodbye. Free
Michy Batshuayi - It's a shame that Batshuayi is yet to blossom into the superstar many saw in him, but his play has simply not been good enough. Chelsea haven't been able to rely on him, and that's not good enough anymore. £22m.
Kurt Zouma - Zouma is good, but it feels like he's the most expendable of the current crop of centre-backs. With someone like Upamecano likely coming in, it makes no sense keeping him around. £30m
Marcos Alonso - Alonso is the best wing-back on the planet, but he's also probably the worst left-back around as well. Scoring goals should not cover over the huge cracks in his performances. Cash in while his value is still high-ish. £25m
Tiemoué Bakayoko - Maybe Timmy Bakayoko does in fact give the ball away? His loan with Monaco expires this summer, and let's pray they activate their option to sign him permanently. £38m
Danny Drinkwater - Please. Please. Please. Please. Please. Just take a massive loss and run, before a buyer changes their mind. £5m
Victor Moses - Moses' impact in Antonio Conte's title-winning season will never be forgotten, but it's time to move on. A permanent switch to Inter makes a lot of sense. £9m
Mario
Full First-Team Squad for 2020/21 in a Dream Scenario (inc. Squad Numbers)
| 1. | Kepa Arrizabalaga |
| 2. | Antonio Rüdiger |
| 3. | Dayot Upamecano (new signing) |
| 4. | Andreas Christensen |
| 5. | Jorginho |
| 6. | Fikayo Tomori (new squad number) |
| 7. | N'Golo Kanté |
| 8. | Ross Barkley |
| 9. | Tammy Abraham |
| 10. | Jadon Sancho (new signing) |
| 11. | Christian Pulisic (new squad number) |
| 12. | Ruben Loftus-Cheek |
| 13. | Alex Telles (new signing) |
| 14. | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (new signing) |
|
|
Jeremie Boga (new signing) |
| 17. | Mateo Kovačić |
| 18. | Olivier Giroud |
| 19. | Mason Mount |
|
|
Callum Hudson-Odoi |
| 21. | Angel Gomes (new signing) |
| 22. | Hakim Ziyech (new signing) |
| 23. | Billy Gilmour (new squad number) |
| 24. | Reece James |
|
|
César Azpilicueta |
| 30. | Willy Caballero (new squad number) |
| 31. | Jamie Cumming |
| 33. | Emerson |
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Source : 90min