Five different ways Chelsea could line up next season after Hazard sale and transfer ban
CHELSEA are expected to lose Eden Hazard to Real Madrid this summer while they are also facing an impending transfer ban which could scupper their replacement plans.
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Hazard is set to join Real Madrid in the summer transfer window after making clear his desire to leave Stamford Bridge, meaning Chelsea could be left short of personnel in their first-team squad.
However, an impending transfer ban could spoil any chances of new arrivals bolstering Maurizio Sarri’s squad.
The Chelsea hierarchy may then be forced to turn to some of their returning loanees, unless their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport is successful.
Chelsea are set to lodge an appeal and will hope to overturn the ban FIFA have imposed, which would then allow them to splash funds on replacements if Hazard leaves.
The former Liverpool star would slot straight in on the left side of a three-man attack, with Sarri likely to stick with his favoured 4-3-3 line-up.
A contract extension for Olivier Giroud also suggests he has a part to play with the Blues next season, while Sarri will hope to keep hold of the rest of his key starting XI.
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Chelsea transfer news: The Blues could also look to make their loan signings permanent (Image: buildlineup.com)
Switch in formation
Sarri has rigidly stuck to his favoured 4-3-3 formation over the past year, even when injuries and suspensions have led to limited availability.
However, Hazard’s departure may cause the Italian to shuffle his pack – depending on who comes through the door.
Nice right-back Youcef Atal is also on Chelsea’s radar and would be a bargain long-term replacement for Cesar Azpilicueta at a relatively modest £35m while Andreas Christensen will come into the side if David Luiz moves on.
Moves for loanees Kovacic and Higuain will also be in jeopardy so Giroud will lead the line while Ross Barkley will look to make the central midfield spot his own with Ruben Loftus-Cheek injured.
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Chelsea transfer news: If the transfer ban is upheld, Chelsea's options will be limited (Image: buildlineup.com)
Loan recalls
While Chelsea already have a settled first-team squad, the Blues could be bolstered by the return of several players from loan spells who are now pushing for first-team places.
Tammy Abraham has been integral in Aston Villa’s run to the play-off final, scoring 26 goals this season, and will almost certainly return to Stamford Bridge if the Villans don’t earn promotion.
Michy Batshuayi is another who has impressed away from his parent club while Kurt Zouma was excellent for Everton and will provide competition for Luiz and Antonio Rudiger.