Chelsea’s frightening XI if Thomas Tuchel signs Erling Haaland to play with Romelu Lukaku

Chelsea have been linked with Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland for some time, with Thomas Tuchel known to be a keen admirer of the forward’s services. The Blues boss told Bild earlier this week that he has ‘no problem’ talking about the possibility of fielding Haaland in attack with Romelu Lukaku next season, admitting that a move for the Norwegian star has been discussed on plenty of occasions behind closed doors.

Express Sport takes a look at the Chelsea side that could terrorise Premier League defences next season if the European champions manage to tempt Haaland to Stamford Bridge.

Goalkeeper – Mendy

Edouard Mendy has emerged as one of the world’s best goalkeepers since joining Chelsea from Rennes in the summer of 2020.

The Senegal international has kept a staggering tally of 30 clean sheets from just 58 appearances for the Blues and has firmly established himself ahead of Kepa Arrizabalaga in the process.

The latter remains a quality back-up option for Chelsea and will undoubtedly have a role to play next season, but Mendy is simply too good to sit on the bench on a regular basis.

It remains to be seen how much of an influence he can have on the club’s ongoing Premier League title bid between now and the end of the current campaign.

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Defence – Kounde, Rudiger, Christensen

Chelsea could welcome a new face into their back three next season, with Jules Kounde reportedly being earmarked as a target once again ahead of the summer.

The 22-year-old came close to joining the Blues during pre-season but was ultimately denied a Premier League move towards the end of the window, with Chelsea and Sevilla failing to settle on a transfer fee.

Tuchel will also be hoping to retain the services of Antonio Rudiger, who is out of contract next summer and has been locked in extension talks as of late.

Meanwhile, Andreas Christensen seems to be improving every season and looks primed to keep his starring role in defence in the absence of Thiago Silva next time around.

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Midfield – James, Mount, Kante, Jorginho, Alonso

Reece James and Marcos Alonso have impressed on the flanks for Chelsea as of late, particularly the latter, and should occupy the wing-back berths next season.

In order to accommodate the potential arrival of Haaland, the Blues could be forced into fielding three central midfielders to enable a two-up-top formation.

Luckily, Tuchel already has Jorginho and N’Golo Kante at his disposal, while academy graduate Mason Mount has proven useful in a deeper role on plenty of occasions.

The likes of Billy Gilmour and Saul Niguez could also be around to provide additional cover next season if the Spaniard’s loan deal is made permanent at the end of the current campaign.

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Attack – Haaland, Lukaku

If Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia is successful in bringing Haaland to west London in the summer, the Blues would undoubtedly have the Premier League’s best attacking duo at their disposal.

The Norwegian forward has scored a remarkable 70 goals in 69 outings for Dortmund in all competitions and is showing no sign of slowing down, having found the net on nine occasions since the beginning of the season.

When paired with Lukaku, who joined Chelsea as part of a club-record move back in August, Haaland could be even better than he already is given the Belgian’s hold-up ability and imposing presence up top.

Both players are considered among the planet’s very best strikers in their own right, but putting both of them on the same team could see Chelsea ascend to another level in front of goal.

Possible Chelsea XI (3-5-2) – Mendy; Kounde, Rudiger, Christensen; James, Mount, Kante, Jorginho, Alonso; Haaland, Lukaku.