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Enzo Maresca could look to add some well-respected names in European football to his Chelsea squad in January.
Chelsea couldn't have asked for much more come Christmas Day under the new tenure of Enzo Maresca. Even if the Italian refuses to admit it, the Blues are in the Premier League title race and have adapted impressively to the new era.
Just four points separate the Blues in second place and league leaders Liverpool as the New Year approaches. Arne Slot's side remain favourites to lift the trophy but the London club are certainly hot on their heels.
Chelsea splurged in the summer transfer window to back Maresca but, with a title charge in reach, there could be more money spent come January. LondonWorld looks at what the Chelsea starting XI could be by the end of next month, should current rumours come true.
GK - Gregor Kobel, £33m
Enzo Maresca has stuck with Robert Sanchez this season despite the Spaniard coming under criticism, with Filip Jorgensen still clearly seen as a back-up option. Metro reports that the Blues are 'plotting a move' for Borussia Dortmund man Kobel in January with a £58 million fee said to be enough to lure the player away from Germany.
LB - Marc Cucurella, £25m
Often the centre of drama at Chelsea, Cucurella remains a linchpin in the Maresca system. The full-back was suspended against Everton but should return to face Fulham.
CB - Levi Colwill, £46m
Enjoying an impressive season at the heart of defence. The Chelsea academy graduate has had to wait for his opportunity but is certainly seizing it.
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CB - Tosin Adarabioyo, £17m
Wesley Fofana remains sidelined with a hamstring injury with no indication as to his return date with the problem more serious than first thought. That has led to summer signing Adarabioyo filling in but the former Fulham man is a strong back-up option.
RB - Jules Kounde, £46m
Chelsea have been linked with a move for Kounde.Chelsea have been linked with a move for Kounde.
Chelsea have been linked with a move for Kounde. | Getty Images
The French international almost made the move to Chelsea in 2022 but instead ended up joining Barcelona. In September, The Daily Express claimed that Kounde is top of a five-man list of long term Reece James replacements.
CDM - Enzo Fernandez, £62m
The midfielder signed for Chelsea in the January transfer window two years ago having impressed at the World Cup. The 23-year-old now regularly captains the side and has three goals and four assists since mid November in the top flight.
CDM - Moises Caicedo, £66m
Appeared to arrive at Chelsea dogged by that incredible £115 million fee paid to sign him from Brighton, but the defensive midfielder is really starting to find his feet at Stamford Bridger under the stewardship of Maresca.
CAM - Cole Palmer, £108m
Continues to be the main man for Chelsea. Last season's prolific output clearly wasn't a fluke with 11 goals and six assists already in the top flight this term.
LW - Nico Williams, £58m
Nico Williams is a man in demand.Nico Williams is a man in demand.
Nico Williams is a man in demand. | AFP via Getty Images
One of Europe's most sought-after wingers, the Athletic Bilbao man is believed to be a key target for Chelsea. Transfer links with the Blues are plentiful across the continent but there is competition from Arsenal, Manchester United and Real Madrid too. Williams was part of Spain's Euro 2024 winning squad this summer but has just two goals and five assists to his name so far this season.
ST - Victor Osimhen, £62m
There's been no shortage of transfer links between Premier League clubs and the prolific Nigeria international. Fichajes now claims that Chelsea and Manchester United are prepared to pay the £62 million wanted by Napoli to green light a sale, having failed to cash in on the player in the summer.
RW - Pedro Neto, £46m
Made a £54 million move from Wolves in the summer and took a while to force his way into Maresca's thinking for the starting XI but is now beginning to see more and more minutes in the Premier League.
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