How Thomas Tuchel will rebuild Chelsea squad this summer without blowing £200m transfer budget

"I think there will be two aspects to the squad rebuild this summer: one focused on signings and the other on players already on the club's books. And personally, I think that's the smart way to go as Chelsea will not have unlimited funds.

"Reinforcements are, of course, needed and in Jules Kounde and Ousmane Dembele it's clear Chelsea are looking at players in the market that are ready now but with room to grow and improve. Josko Gvardiol and Christopher Nkunku fit into that bracket. Declan Rice too.

"That being said, it's near-impossible all the above arrive this summer and it's why internal options also have to be considered to refresh the squad. Conor Gallagher will be incorporated into the first-team set-up while Dujon Sterling, Levi Colwill, Billy Gilmour and Armando Broja are, as things stand, expected to get an opportunity in pre-season to state their cases to Tuchel.

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"In terms of Chelsea's intentions for next season, I think they are the same as in 2021/22. The challenge is to close the gap to Liverpool and Man City in the Premier League and compete strongly in the cup competitions. I feel they can do that if key injuries are avoided, although hopefully, the squad will be in a better shape to combat those that were suffered."

"From what I understand, that £200million would also factor in money from players sales. But to be honest, there's always an element of manoeuvrability in terms of the 'war chest'. There are a few centre-backs the club have shortlisted as the look to replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen – which includes Jose Gimenez, Pau Torres and Presnel Kimpembe – while Borna Sosa is a potential option at left wing-back if Marcos Alonso and Emerson move on.

"Everyone at this point knows