Chelsea’s terrifying XI if Marina Granovskaia completes blockbuster double Juventus swoop

Chelsea already boast a talented squad, but it could be made even better if transfer chief Marina Granovskaia pulls off the signings of Matthijs De Ligt and Federico Chiesa in a double raid of Juventus. The Blues have made a solid start to the season, but defeat to Manchester City served as a reminder that competition is tight at the top and improvements can always be made. Express Sport takes a look at how they could line up if they manage to lure in both players from Serie A, with the pair tipped to be targets.

Goalkeeper – Mendy

Edouard Mendy arrived from Rennes last year to save Chelsea from the unreliable Kepa Arrizabalaga, and so far he has surpassed all expectations. 

Although he turns 30 over the course of this season, his performances are still top tier so is unlikely to be dropped before next season. 

Kepa is the only change between the sticks which could eventually occur, but finding a club to compete with his mammoth seven-year contract could leave him consigned to the bench once again. 

Defence – James, Azpilicueta, De Ligt, Rudiger, Alonso

Thomas Tuchel’s preference for a back five is well known by now, while Reece James and Marcos Alonso represent a frightening set of attacking wing-backs. 

Thiago Silva has been sensational in the centre of defence this campaign, but as he turns 38 next season the Blues may be wise to keep an eye out for his replacement. 

Of course, that is where Juventus star Matthijs De Ligt could come in, although it would reportedly take an eye-watering £102million bid to make it happen. 

His career has slowed down somewhat since establishing himself as a world-beater in the making at Ajax, but having served a solid apprenticeship alongside Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, he will have learned some valuable skills in Turin. 

Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger could complete the defensive quintet, although the latter would have to put pen to paper on a new deal to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge. 

Attack – Chiesa, Lukaku, Havertz

Federico Chiesa has burst onto the European scene in stages, putting together a series of dazzling performances for Juventus last season before following it up with Italy at Euro 2020. 

An £86million enquiry from the Blues was reportedly snubbed by the Bianconeri, meaning it would take some serious cash to prise Juve’s star man away in the near future. 

Romelu Lukaku is poised to lead the line for years to come, while Tuchel would have a major selection headache on the opposite flank with the likes of Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Timo Werner all vying for minutes. 

22-year-old Havertz is quickly improving in Chelsea blue, however, and could complete a star-studded front three if Granovskaia lures the touted Juventus duo to west London.