How Chelsea could line up this season with Mukiele joining Koulibaly in defence but FIVE players quitting

CHELSEA could boast a mean looking defence this season if they manage to hijack Nordi Mukiele's move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Reports earlier today claimed the Blues have made a late move to sign Mukiele from RB Leipzig and are willing to offer Timo Werner in exchange.

After losing both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen over the summer, defence had become an issue for Thomas Tuchel.

But the arrival of Kalidou Koulibaly, plus the potential addition of Mukiele, would see Chelsea remain equally as mean at the back.

Especially with 37-year-old Thiago Silva pulling the strings in the middle of a back three.

The Blues though could soon be faced with yet more departures.

Romelu Lukaku has already waved goodbye to Stamford Bridge and despite it only being on loan it looks like he has played his last game for the club.

And Chelsea are facing a further mass exodus, with five first-team players reportedly looking to move on.

The futures of Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta currently remain uncertain.

Despite not being starters every week, all five players featured regularly for Tuchel last season.

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Luckily for the German boss, Ben Chilwell is back from injury and set to be his regular left-wing back.

On the opposite flank England star Reece James is a guaranteed starter, with N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic his best midfield pairing.

New £50million signing Raheem Sterling is likely to slot in the front three in the place of Werner, with Mason Mount and Kai Havertz completing the forward line.

Alternatively Tuchel could see long-term target Jules Kounde lining up at the back instead of Mukiele.

Although that's only if Barcelona's £51m swoop collapses.

After the Blues appeared to be in pole position to sign Kounde, reports suggest cash-strapped Barca have now somehow agreed a deal to sign the Frenchman.