How Chelsea could line up under Jose Mourinho next season with club ‘making contact’ with former boss
THIRD time may be a charm for Jose Mourinho after he was linked with the Chelsea job.
Having been at the club twice before, Mourinho has reportedly been contacted to take over the reins for a third time once Frank Lampard’s caretaker spell comes to an end in the summer.
Since his last stint at the club, three-time Premier League winner Mourinho has managed Manchester United, Tottenham and is now at Roma – though reports suggest this could change in the summer.
The Portuguese boss still holds a fiery temperament, but may have evolved in his liking for players.
And should he be picked up by Chelsea again, it begs the question of how the Blues might line up.
One plausible theory is him using his Roma connections to overhaul Chelsea’s misfiring attack.
Ex-Blues star Tammy Abraham could make his return to Stamford Bridge, partnering with Paulo Dybala just off of him.
Dybala, 29, would be a surprisingly cost-effective option for Chelsea in the transfer market, with a reported release clause for foreign clubs of just £10.5million (€12m).
Despite the presence of Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella, Mourinho may also opt to bring in a fresh face in Leonardo Spinazzola, owing to the Englishman’s injury issues and Cucurella’s poor form.
A transfer for a new goalie may also be sanctioned in order to upgrade on Kepa Arrizabalaga.
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This could see Leeds stopper Illan Meslier brought in, with Brentford’s David Raya an alternative.
Mourinho may even opt to use most of what he will inherit, particularly if Chelsea’s finances take a hit if they fail to qualify for Champions League football next season.
Mykhailo Mudryk has already been compared to club legend Eden Hazard, so it well within the realm of possibility for Mourinho to use his talents in a similar way.
A Thiago Silva led back-line would also give Mourinho the experience he likes in defence, while the likes of Benoit Badiashile and Enzo Fernandez patrol the areas around him.
Mason Mount could be given a new lease of life in a more structured system, with Mourinho also convincing Mateo Kovacic to stay.
Christopher Nkunku’s arrival is an open secret, and his creative ability may be make him instrumental as he drifts inside while Reece James bombs on with Abraham the team’s focal point in attack.
However, if Mourinho wanted to go for a very classical team, it could see him recruit Man Utd and Roma favourite Chris Smalling with Nemanja Matic joining him for the FOURTH time.
And what’s to say fan-favourite Hazard can’t make a triumphant return to Stamford Bridge following his issues at Real Madrid.