Chelsea’s potential 2022-23 XI with Cristiano Ronaldo, Sterling & De Ligt is scary | OneFootball

What will Chelsea’s starting XI look like at the start of the upcoming 2022-23 season?

It’s all change at Stamford Bridge this summer following the departures of Romelu Lukaku, Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Saul Niguez.

Several others could follow them out the exit door before the new season gets underway, including left-back Marcos Alonso.

There have been no major arrivals at the time of writing, although the likes of Conor Gallagher, Armando Broja and Ethan Ampadu all return after loan spells.

However, it was also widely reported on Wednesday that Manchester City and England star Raheem Sterling will become the Blues’ first summer signing.

Per Sky Sports and others, Sterling has agreed personal terms with Chelsea and confirmation of his move to West London is said to be imminent.

Chelsea are expected to pay around £45 million for Sterling, 27, who is one of only 33 players to score 100 or more Premier League goals.

The acquisition of Sterling, who netted 13 league goals for Man City last season, promises to be a major coup for Tuchel.

Cristiano Ronaldo to join Raheem Sterling at Chelsea?

But Sterling’s signing could potentially be trumped by the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, who wants to leave Manchester United as soon as possible.

The legendary Portuguese forward turns 38 next February but is still a reliable goalscorer despite his advancing years.

Playing in arguably the worst Man Utd side of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, Ronaldo somehow managed to score a hugely impressive 24 goals in 38 games.

Ronaldo wants to be competing for the biggest trophies and individual prizes and is acutely aware that he needs to leave Old Trafford to avoid wasting another year of his career.

That United have only managed to sign 22-year-old left-back Tyrell Malacia with one month to go before the new season gets underway has convinced Ronaldo to move on.

While Man Utd would surely prefer to see their star player to an overseas club, Chelsea may be prepared to submit the highest bid for the want-away forward.

Matthijs de Ligt to join Chelsea?

And that’s not all. Chelsea also have a chance of signing Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt over the coming weeks.

The Dutch defender, 22, has two years left on his current contract, which also contains a £103 million release clause.

Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is reportedly being lined up by Juve as a potential replacement.

Chelsea’s potential 2022-23 XI

So, here’s how Chelsea’s XI could look at the start of the new season if the land their top targets.

Pretty scary, eh?