Chelsea’s 2020/21 campaign finished in the best way possible as Thomas Tuchel’s men lifted the most coveted prize in European club football.
Against the odds, the Blues triumphed in the Champions League, beating Pep Guardiola’s Man City 1-0 to lift the trophy.
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It was a richly deserved end to what was a topsy-turvy season at Stamford Bridge.
Having spent in excess of £200million on new players last summer, Frank Lampard struggled in the first six months of the campaign and was dealt his marching orders by Roman Abramovich after just 18 months in the hot seat.
Tuchel, though, changed everything. He helped steer Chelsea from ninth to fourth in the Premier League but losing in the FA Cup final to Leicester before their triumph over City in Porto.
Abramovich’s hunger for more trophies is as strong as ever and it is understood he is willing to grant Tuchel a healthy war chest this summer as his side look to dethrone City as the English champions next season.
But who could Chelsea sign and how could they look with their targets next season? talkSPORT.com has the verdict…
Achraf Hakimi (Inter Milan)
The Blues have been engaged in a long transfer tussle with PSG for Inter’s Hakimi, with both sides reportedly having a £51m bid turned down.
Hakimi left for Inter in 2020 after two seasons on loan at Borussia Dortmund from Real Madrid and flourished in Serie A last term, providing seven goals and eight assists in his debut campaign there.
His electric attacking prowess on the right flank were key to Inter’s success in their title-winning campaign, but questions have been asked about where he’d fit at Chelsea due to Reece James’ presence.
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James is undoubtedly one of the brightest talents at the club and there are suggestions he could be used as a right centre-back if Hakimi arrives at the club.
What that means for club captain Cesar Azpilicueta, however, remains to be seen.
Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)
It is no secret that Chelsea are on the hunt for a new striker this summer and Erling Haaland is top of Abramovich’s wish list.
And with Harry Kane reportedly on his way to Manchester City, Chelsea will see one less rival for Haaland’s signature. He is one of the most coveted young talents in world football, terrorising defences across Europe despite still being just 20.
The Norway international netted a staggering 41 goals in 41 games in all competitions for Dortmund last season and is already one of the top strikers in the world.
And the Blues are believed to be ready to take advantage of rivals’ worse financial situation to secure a move for Haaland this summer.
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Several reports claim Chelsea have opened talks with the Bundesliga club over a deal – said to be in the region of £170million.
The Blues could offer players as part of the deal, with Tammy Abraham’s name has been mentioned in initial talks.
Haaland’s arrival could spell the end of a starting spot for Timo Werner in the XI, with the Germany striker hitting just 11 goals in his debut Premier League campaign.
He would most likely be asked to form a partnership with Kai Havertz, who also struggled at the start of the 2020/21 campaign but finished it in style with some good displays and the winner in the Champions League final.
How Chelsea could line-up with transfer targets
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