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Chelsea have begun the 2021-22 season on a promising note. The Blues are third in the Premier League table, with 13 points in six games, one point adrift of table-toppers Liverpool.
Romelu Lukaku has strengthened the squad significantly following his big-money move to Stamford Bridge this summer. The striker has been a huge force to reckon with, contributing three goals for the Blues in five Premier League games.
However, considering the early jostle for positions in the league table, Chelsea will need more than the Belgian to go all the way. A tightly contested title race is on the horizon. So it wouldn't be a surprise if the Blues make a few additions early next year to further strengthen their roster
In other words, there could be a few high-profile transfers to Stamford Bridge in January. On that note, here's a look at five high-profile signings Chelsea could make in 2022.
#5 Aurelien Tchouameni
Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is one of the few players Chelsea tried to lure to Stamford Bridge during the summer. The Frenchman was on the radar of many big clubs across Europe in the summer, following some eye-catching displays for Monaco.
Tchouameni impressed in the Ligue 1 last season. He was a key player for the Monegasques last campaign, bagging three goals and four assists in 42 appearances across competitions.
The Frenchman has entered the new season on the front foot, scoring once in 13 appearances for Monaco in all competitions. As per reports, Chelsea have retained their interest in signing the midfielder, and a deal could be made for him next year.
#4 Jules Kounde
It is an open secret that Chelsea are determined to sign another centre-back after selling Kurt Zouma to West Ham United in the summer. As things stand, the likeliest player to make a high-profile switch to Stamford Bridge in the coming months is Sevilla powerhouse Jules Kounde.
The Blues attempted to prise the defender away from the Andalusians last month, but couldn't wrap things up in time. Reports suggest they could come knocking once again when the transfer window reopens in January.
Kounde is one of the top centre-backs in the La Liga at the moment. Thanks to his rigidity, composure and tactical brilliance, the Frenchman has what it takes to become a key member of Thomas Tuchel's squad.
#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.
