How Chelsea could line-up post January transfer window including Leroy Sane and Jules Kounde as Tuchel fights for title

THOMAS TUCHEL is looking to mount a title challenge with Chelsea after leading the Blues to Champions League glory last season.

Romelu Lukaku arrived in a £97.5million deal from Inter in the summer, but the Stamford Bridge side are still linked with some of Europe's hottest talents - so how could they line-up after the January transfer window?

Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde was one name widely linked with Chelsea throughout the summer transfer window, with the 22-year-old Frenchman reportedly desperate to secure a move.

The Blues had an offer of £42.8m rejected by Sevilla though as the Spanish club slapped an £68.5m asking price on his head.

But Chelsea could return with an improved bid in January, with the Spanish Football Podcast reporting that Kounde ‘furious’ over the situation.

And if he does force a move to Stamford Bridge, he would slot straight into the heart of Chelsea's defence.

Kurt Zouma's £29.8million departure to West Ham means the Blues are keen to add to their defensive ranks.

Leroy Sane has also been linked with a move to South-West London, with Thomas Tuchel said to be 'a fan' of the 25-year-old winger.

The German international failed to catch the eye in the Bundesliga last season with Bayern Munich, managing just six goals in 32 appearances.

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Should he be recruited by fellow German Tuchel, Sane could play in an advanced role just behind Romelu Lukaku.

Alternative XI

Or Tuchel could throw caution to the wind and utilise his stacked forward line like this.

A front five made up of Leroy Sane, Romelu Lukaku, Hakim Ziyexh, Mason Mount and Kai Havertz would strike fear into defences across the Premier League.

The addition of Jules Kounde at the back would provide added steel, leaving Tuchel with more freedom to explore his options higher up the pitch.

With so many options to choose from, there could there be some outgoings in January from a squad valued at around £800MILLION.

Marcos Alonso has been linked with a move away, and Antonio Rudiger is out of contract at the end of the season.

The Blues are eager to reward Rudiger with a new contract, but Sky Sports report that the 28-year-old is eager to weigh up his options.

It could mean moving Rudiger on for a cut-price fee in January.

However Tuchel lines up his squad come the start of 2022, it's hard to believe they won't be challenging for the title.

The Blues began their 2021/22 Premier League campaign with wins against Crystal Palace and Arsenal, before a hard fought draw against Liverpool at Anfield after being reduced to ten men.

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