Chelsea have yet to make any high-profile signings this summer, but they are making progress towards landing the services of Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan.
The Blues are also keen on Sevilla’s Jules Kounde. They have failed with part-exchange proposals for both, and are fancied to make fresh bids for the duo.
Let’s have a look how Chelsea could line up with the pair.
Kounde is a centre-back by trade, and he would fit into the back three under Thomas Tuchel.
The Frenchman is not the tallest of defenders, but he still has a good aerial presence.
He won an average of three aerial duels per La Liga appearance last term.
Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva appear likely candidates to partner Kounde if he joins the club.
The former Bordeaux man is a ball-playing defender. He had a pass success rate of 90% last term.
He could slot into the right side of the back three ahead of Cesar Azpilicueta.
Meanwhile, it’s a no-brainer that Lukaku would lead the line if he makes his comeback.
However, Tuchel could potentially play with two up front. Timo Werner could partner him.
Werner played his best football at RB Leipzig when Yussuf Poulsen played alongside him.
Lukaku’s good hold-up and link-up play could work in perfect coordination with Werner.
The Belgian’s presence could get the best out of the German, who has lacked confidence in front of goal.
There could be room for just one more attacker. Kai Havertz may play behind Werner and Lukaku.
Werner is probably the weak link here, and he could be swapped if he continues to fluff his lines.
This could see the shift from a 3-4-1-2 formation to Tuchel’s preferred 3-4-3 set-up.
How Chelsea could line up with Lukaku and Kounde next season
Stats from Transfermarkt.com and Whoscored.com
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