Chelsea – Premier League 2023-24 Season Preview

The winds of change have blown across Stamford Bridge in the off-season as the Todd Boehly-led ownership looks to usher in a new era at Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino. The Blues are in desperate need of a fresh start after their disastrous campaign in 2022/23, finishing 12th in the Premier League, and the Argentinian manager will have his hands full as he looks to get Chelsea back into the Champions League places with a young squad.

Summer Dealings

Chelsea trimmed a bloated squad this summer by sanctioning sales for Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Matteo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christian Pulisic, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy, while also letting go of N’Golo Kante, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a free.

Their recruitment drive, meanwhile, was solely focused on younger prospects. Chelsea confirmed the signing of RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku for £52 million and also added Villareal forward Nicholas Jackson for £30 million. The Blues also raided French clubs Monaco and Rennes for centre-back Axel Disasi and midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu before adding Brighton keeper Robert Sanchez for £25 million.

Chelsea are still in the market for a midfielder and have reportedly agreed a deal with Leeds United for Tyler Adams while also battling Liverpool for the signature of Brighton star Moises Caicedo.

Player to watch out for: Levi Colwill

Levi Colwill enjoyed a breakout season in the Premier League for Brighton last year, establishing himself as a key player in Roberto de Zerbi’s side that finished sixth in the table. Colwill also played an integral role in England U-21’s European Championships victory over the summer, earning a mention in the team of the tournament. The Cobham academy graduate has since gone on to sign a long-term contract with Chelsea till 2028 and should establish himself as a cornerstone player of the new project under Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.

Probable XI

Following their major summer overhaul, Chelsea’s starting XI is likely to be a stark contrast to the one that finished last season under Frank Lampard.

Kepa Arrizabalaga has temporarily established himself as the Blues’ number one but could come under competition from fellow Spaniard Robert Sanchez following his move from Brighton. The English duo of Reece James and Ben Chilwell are expected to keep their place at the two full-back slots, while Levi Colwill will partner Thiago Silva at the heart of the defence.

In midfield, January signing Enzo Fernandez will partner Conor Gallagher to start the season, but the Blues could add reinforcements to bolster this position, with Tyler Adams, Romeo Lavia, and Moises Caicedo on their list.

With no Christopher Nkunku in attacking midfield due to injury, youngster Carney Chukwuemeka could earn a surprise start spot at the number ten role. Up front, Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk could occupy the two spots on either wing, while Nicholas Jackson has earned his place as the starting number nine after a strong pre-season for the Blues.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Reece James, Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, Carney Chukwuemeka, Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Nicholas Jackson