How Chelsea may line-up with Hakim Ziyech, Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham, and Moussa Dembele in Lampard’s summer splurge
FRANK LAMPARD is set to finally splash the cash at Chelsea and revamp his team over the summer.
Following a surprisingly quiet January transfer window, the Blues have huge reserves ready for a serious spree at the end of the season.
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Ajax attacker Hakim Ziyech is the first to arrive with the Premier League side confirming the £36.7million deal.
Chelsea are still to agree personal terms with the Moroccan and he will provide useful versatility across the frontline.
That will be vital if Lampard is to push for fellow forwards Jadon Sancho and Moussa Dembele.
Set to leave Borussia Dortmund in the summer, the Blues must stump up a huge fee if they are to beat Manchester United to England ace Sancho.
But signing a striker may prove to be the bigger priority, as seen in the previous window when Lampard had to keep Olivier Giroud despite wanting to turn over his options.
Should all three arrive, fitting them into a line-up would potentially see Tammy Abraham sacrificed, with Callum Hudson-Odoi’s position on the right flank pushing Ziyech into the middle.
SITTING ON DE-FENCE
With it almost impossible that Chelsea buy a player to fill every one of the positions considered in need of refreshment, the summer will likely boil down to priorities.
Defensive reinforcements are also key with goalkeeper Andre Onana touted to follow Ziyech over from Ajax.
Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell was linked to Stamford Bridge in January and is another option should the Blues have the cash to meet his high price tag.
And Nathan Ake is understood to still be available at £40million from Bournemouth, making him a relatively cheap route in today’s market.
RING THE BELL
One other fork in the road is the balance of youth and experience that has so far seen Lampard open up the pathway from his club’s burgeoning academy.
Should the coach prefer older talent to back up his existing youngsters, out-of-contract winger Dries Mertens is rumoured to be on their radar.
Also set to be available on a free this summer is Willian, whose future now appears to rely on whether Chelsea can secure a replacement ahead of his June expiration date.
The youthful route could revolve around Birmingham starlet Jude Bellingham, 16.
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The forward thinking midfielder has made a name for himself in the Championship after breaking into the first-team at St Andrews.
Once again, Manchester United are the big rivals in the race for the £50million rated teenager.
Although a cheaper option is again present in the market with Sassuolo winger Jeremie Boga thought to be available for just £12.7m – via a buy-back clause Chelsea hold on their ex-player.