Joao Felix signs, Victor Osimhen fellow, how Enzo will lineup Chelsea this season

This is how Chelsea could look this season if Maresca secures his top targets
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Chelsea's hectic summer window shows no signs of slowing down as Enzo Maresca looks to guide his side back to the Champions League.

The Blues have already brought in nine players worth over £160million - and that figure could rise to around £300m.

Chelsea have spent heavily this summer in preparation for the new season under boss Maresca

Chelsea have spent heavily this summer in preparation for the new season under boss Maresca

That's not even taking into account the £56m they agreed to sign Brazilian starlet Estevao Willian, who will make the move to west London next year.

Chelsea forked out around £600m on new signings in 2023, with their recent activity seeing them splash out well over £1billion since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital completed their takeover in 2022.

And fresh from their £51.4m purchase of Pedro Neto, two more high-profile acquisitions could be on the agenda.

talkSPORT understands that their £36m transfer to sign Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion has collapsed at the 11th hour.

This could now see them bring Joao Felix back to Stamford Bridge on a permanent deal for around £43m.

Felix scored four goals for Chelsea in 20 games in all competitions during his underwhelming loan spell in the second half of the 2022/23 campaign.

But his versatility in playing anywhere across the front line - as well as in a No.10 role - makes him an attractive option for new boss Maresca.

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And it's believed their pursuit of Felix will not affect their quest to bring in Napoli marksman Victor Osimhen to lead their line.

Should Chelsea have it their way, they could line up with a new-look front three, while Maresca could adopt a bold starting XI - without skipper Reece James.

Here's how talkSPORT.com has predicted Chelsea could start in a radical 4-1-2-3 formation.

Felix could return to Stamford Bridge a year after his loan at the club ended

Felix could return to Stamford Bridge a year after his loan at the club ended

The west London giants could also bring Napoli striker Osimhen to the club

The west London giants could also bring Napoli striker Osimhen to the club

Chelsea's 2024 summer signing

Pedro Neto - £51.4m from Wolves

Kieran Dewsbury-Hall - £30m from Leicester

Filip Jorgensen - £20.7m from Villarreal

Omari Kellyman - £19m from Aston Villa

Aaron Anselmino - £15.6m from Boca Juniors

Renato Veiga - £12m from Basel

Caleb Wiley - £8.5m from Atlanta

Marc Guehi - £5m from Barcelona

Tosin Adarabioyo - Free transfer

Following his £20.7m arrival from Villarreal, Filip Jorgensen looks set to start between the sticks.

Marc Cucurella - fresh from winning Euro 2024 with Spain - will continue at left-back having been one of the club's most consistent performers this year.

A centre-back partnership will likely consist of Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill, who started together in Chelsea's final pre-season friendly against Inter Milan on Sunday, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

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At right-back, captain James would usually fill that spot, but he is currently out inured with a hamstring injury, while he is also suspended for the first three games of the season due to suspension.

Malo Gusto has impressed in his absence, but Maresca could opt for a different option in the form of central midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Caicedo was utilised as a full-back occasionally during his Brighton days, and put in an assured display at right-back after being trialled their against Inter.

Maresca waxed lyrical of Caicedo's qualities during the club's tour of America, where he said: "I love Moi. I have known him for many years. I know the way he plays."

This is how Chelsea could look this season if Maresca secures his top targets

This is how Chelsea could look this season if Maresca secures his top targets

This is how Chelsea could look this season if Maresca secures his top targets

Should the Ecuadorian find himself on the right-hand side of defence, Maresca could then deploy a lone defensive midfielder, instead of a double-pivot.

Caicedo's change of position would see Enzo Fernandez feature as a No.6 ahead of Romeo Lavia, who is finally fit following an injury-plagued 2023/24 campaign.

Cole Palmer would then be shifted from a right winger to a roaming box-to-box role, with Christopher Nkunku slotting in as the club's No10.

Neto would then feature on the right flank, with Felix deployed on the left wing.

This would see Mykhailo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke having to settle for a place on the bench.

And Osimhen would then spearhead the new-look frontline, with Nicolas Jackson to then be the Nigerian's back-up.

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