Chelsea finished the season in third place last season, but this season is expected to even be more difficult as other clubs like Arsenal and Tottenham have strengthened very well.

Chelsea are trying to rebuild the squad under the new owners, and have already signed Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella.

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has urged Chelsea to make 3 more signings if the club wants a guaranteed top four finish.

Jamie Redknapp told Sky Sports: “Raheem Sterling in any market is a brilliant signing. They miss a No 9 but there’s talk about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang coming in and Frenkie de Jong – who they are interested in signing from Barcelona – is one of the best midfield players in the world.

“If they get Fofana, Aubameyang and De Jong, they’re guaranteeing Champions League football with that.

“I’m a massive fan of De Jong. I feel sorry for him in a way because he’s in limbo. It feels like he wants to come to London and isn’t too keen on going to Manchester. Whoever gets him, he’s a game changer for them. Chelsea certainly have problems in that area – Jorginho is not long-term in terms of his physicality.

“He’s done brilliantly and been an amazing player for Chelsea, Champions League winner and for Italy winning the European Championships, but De Jong gives them a different dimension with pace and strength, playing at the base of midfield, giving N’Golo Kante license to go and do what he wants.

“He’d be an amazing signing and a real statement of intent if they could beat Man Utd to that one.

“As for Aubameyang, he was such a disappointment at Arsenal towards the end. He did OK at Barcelona but they’re obviously keen to offload him again. As a stop-gap for a year, it probably wouldn’t be the worst signing.

“I was quite critical of him last year. I didn’t think he put the effort in for Arsenal. It looked like he wasn’t the same player. But for one season… it’s not one that would inspire me, but he would come with a bit of a point to prove.”