CHELSEA are set for a completely different look next season after a major spending spree.
Boss Frank Lampard had already signed Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner before last season even finished.
And he’s understood to be close to completing deals for Kai Havertz, Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell.
But in the biggest twist of them all, Lampard’s ex-England team-mate Rio Ferdinand claims the Blues are in to sign superstar Lionel Messi.
Messi rocked the Barcelona hierarchy after handing in a transfer request last night.
Despite Manchester City, United, PSG and Inter Milan being ahead in the race to sign Messi, the London giants do have the financial capability to entertain the move.
Should Lampard somehow manage to complete the sensational signing of the little magician, he would likely occupy the Blues’ right wing.
With Werner expected to play through the middle, Messi could be shifted out wide, like he was when Luiz Suarez arrived at the Nou Camp from Liverpool.
Christian Pulisic could help complete a fearsome trio leading the line at Stamford Bridge.
Playmakers Ziyech and Havertz, who can play in the middle and on the right, would then be moved back into midfield.
N’Golo Kante would be expected to play a holding role, in what would be a an ultra-attacking line up for Chelsea.
Should Lampard prefer more defensive options in midfield, Kante could have a partner, with Havertz or Ziyech pushed out wide, likely meaning Pulisic would make way.
At the back experienced centre-back Silva, close to joining on a free, would add much needed composure in defence.
Chelsea’s problem at left-back is also due to be fixed as Lampard nears acquiring his No1 target in Chilwell.
But a major problem yet to be figured out at Stamford Bridge is who will be between the post next season.
Kepa Arrizabalaga’s Chelsea future appears over, with a replacement top of Lampard’s wish list.
A mega-money move for Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak looks unlikely, with cheaper alternatives instead favoured.
Burnley’s Nick Pope and Andre Onana of Ajax have emerged as possibilities.
Lampard is said to admire Onana and already held talks with the stopper this year.
Lionel Messi transfer request – Furious Barcelona fans protest against president Josep Maria Bartomeu outside Nou Camp
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
