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#3 Matthijs de Ligt
Juventus centre-back Mathijs De Ligt is another high-profile player Chelsea could look to sign in 2022. The Blues know they have some work to do to build a formidable backline.
Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger's contracts expire next summer. Kurt Zouma has also bid farewell to Stamford Bridge. So Chelsea will need a few reliable options at the heart of defence. Matthijs de Ligt is one such option who could be a perfect fit.
The Dutchman has the physical presence, solidity, strength and leadership skills to become the next defensive powerhouse at Stamford Bridge. Interestingly, the Blues have been keeping tabs on the defender for a while. They will likely go all out for him in 2022.
#2 Declan Rice
The fact that Chelsea have been linked with a swoop for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice comes as no surprise. That's because almost all the big teams in the Premier League are looking to secure the services of the 22-year-old.
Rice was believed to be on his way to Stamford Bridge during the summer. But West Ham's £100 million price tag proved to be a stumbling block. According to reports, Chelsea could try to sign the Englishman once again next summer. Rice will be available for a more reasonable price of around £70 million at that time.
The midfielder has impressed with West Ham United this season, bagging one goal and two assists in seven games across competitions.
#1 Erling Haaland
The summer transfer window was filled with rumours of Chelsea's interest in Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland. The Blues were determined to sign the Norwegian, but couldn't pull off the deal, reportedly because of BVB's massive €180 million price tag.
With the player's release clause dropping to just €75 million at the end of the season, Chelsea might fancy their chances of signing Haaland next summer. A striking partnership between Erling Haaland and Lukaku could wreak havoc.
The Norwegian has been in red-hot form since the beginning of the campaign. He has bagged 11 goals and four assists for Dortmund in eight games across competitions. With other European giants also monitoring his progress, Chelsea will need to act quickly and decisively to lure Haaland to Stamford Bridge.
