João Félix signs, followed by Victor Osimhen: Chelsea revamp their squad with Enzo Maresca's bold tactics
Chelsea's hectic summer window shows no signs of slowing down as Enzo Maresca looks to guide his side back into the Champions League.
He Blues They have already signed nine players worth more than £160m, and that figure could rise to around £300m.
That's without even taking into account the £56 million They have agreed to sign Brazilian star Estevao Willian, who will move to west London next year.
Chelsea spent around £600 million on new signings in 2023, with their recent activity seeing them spend over £1bn since then. Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital completed their acquisition in 2022.
And fresh from their £51.4m purchase Peter NetoTwo more high-profile acquisitions could be on the agenda.
talkSPORT understands their £36million move to sign Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion collapsed at the last minute.
This could now see them bring João Felix returns to Stamford Bridge on a permanent deal for around £43m.
Felix scored four goals for Chelsea in 20 appearances in all competitions during his disappointing loan spell in the second half of the 2022/23 campaign.
But his versatility to play in any position across the front line, as well as in the No. 10 role, makes him an attractive option for the new boss. Maresca.
And their pursuit of Felix is not thought to affect their bid to sign the Napoli striker. Victor Osimhen to lead his line.
If Chelsea succeed in their objective, they could field their team with a new attacking trio, while Maresca could adopt a bold starting XI, without captain Reece James.
Here's how talkSPORT.com has predicted Chelsea could start with a radical 4-1-2-3 formation.
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Chelsea's signing for the summer of 2024
- Pedro Neto: 51.4 million pounds from the Wolves
- Kieran Dewsbury-Hall: £30m from Leicester
- Filip Jorgensen: £20.7m from Villarreal
- Omari Kellyman: £19m from Aston Villa
- Aaron Anselmino – £15.6m from Boca Juniors
- Renato Veiga – £12m from Basel
- Caleb Wiley: £8.5m from Atlanta
- Marc Guehi: £5m from Barcelona
- Tosin Adarabioyo – Free transfer
Following his Arrival for 20.7 million pounds Coming from Villarreal, Filip Jorgensen looks set to start between the sticks.
Marc Cucurella, who won Euro 2024 with Spain, will continue at left-back after having been one of the club's most consistent players this year.
The central duo will likely consist of Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill, who started together in Chelsea's final pre-season friendly against Inter Milan on Sunday, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
At right-back, captain James would normally occupy that spot, but he is currently out with a hamstring injury, while also suspended for the first three games of the season due to suspension.
Malo Gusto have impressed in his absence, but Maresca could opt for a different option in the form of central midfielder Moisés Caicedo.
Caicedo was used as a full-back occasionally during his days at Brighton, and put in an assured performance at right-back after being tested against Inter.
Maresca praised Caicedo's qualities during the club's tour of America, where he said: “I love Moi. I've known him for many years. I know how he plays.”
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If the Ecuadorian is on the right side of the defence, Maresca could then deploy a lone defensive midfielder, rather than a double pivot.
Caicedo's change of position would see Enzo Fernandez move to No.6 ahead of Romeo Lavia, who is finally fit after an injury-plagued 2023/24 campaign.
Cole Palmer would then move from right winger to a box-to-box role, with Christopher Nkunku taking over the club's number 10 role.
Neto would then occupy the right flank, while Félix would be positioned on the left wing.
This would mean Mykhailo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke would have to settle for a place on the bench.
And Osimhen would then lead the new front line, with Nicolas Jackson as the Nigerian's substitute.
