Chelsea’s ‘What could have been’ XI

Chelsea Football Club signed four players before the transfer window closed, but there could have been quite a few more if these deals happened.

Below you can see who might have been lining up at Stamford Bridge this season, that is, if the rumours are to be believed at all:

Goalkeeper – Diego Lopez

Chelsea were linked with Diego Lopez in June, However, Lopez left Milan on deadline day and joined Espanyol on loan.

Right-back – Stefan de Vrij

It was reported that Conte had been watching him, as he’s capable of playing at centre-back or right-back, but Chelsea instead went for a left-side player to bolster the defence with Alonso.

Centre-back – Kalidou Koulibaly

Conte’s No.1 defensive target this summer, and it was rumoured the Italian offered £42million for the Senegal international just hours before landing Luiz. However, the deal didn’t happen, the Blues may regret this one.

Centre-back – Alessio Romagnoli

Chelsea made their interest in the AC Milan star public and even apparently made an offer, however, it was rejected and Conte moved on to other interests.

Left-back – Ricardo Rodriguez

linked with the likes of Man City and Arsenal as well as the Blues, the offer were flooding in for Ricardo, however, He remained in the Bundesliga.

Right winger – Antonio Candreva

Antonio Candreva was a huge part of Conte’s Italy success at Euro 2016 and the Italian was said to be keen to bring him over to Stamford Bridge, but then Inter Milan snapped him up at the start of August.

Central midfield – Radja Nainggolan

After toying with the idea of joining the west Londoners, he eventually decided to stay at Roma.

Central midfield – Blaise Matuidi

A high asking price is believed to have been key to Chelsea deciding against following up any interest Matuidi.

Left winger – Riyad Mahrez

Pictures circulated online showing Riyad Mahrez checking into Chelsea’s team hotel, this caused huge speculation he was making the move to Stamford Bridge, but nothing came about it as he was only staying with the Premier League Champions.

Forward – James Rodriguez

Blues were heavily linked with James, However, Zinedine Zidane dismissed suggestions that the player would leave and Real Madrid were not prepared to take a huge hit on the £60million they had paid for the Colombian.

Forward – Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku’s camp taunted the fans about him leaving which lead to widespread specualtion the Blues where going to buy him back, which was the case for a little while there, Chelsea had thought about it, but Lukaku spoke with Everton boss Ronald Koeman and informed him of his desire to stay in Merseyside.