Whilst Chelsea and Antonio Conte are certainly placing much of their focus on the current season, it would appear as though the club does have one eye on next year, too…

After all, Chelsea have had a quiet January transfer window, with the focus of the Blues’ brass resting solely upon departing players, with both Oscar and John Obi Mikel both swapping SW6 for China over the last few weeks.

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With the rumour mill beginning to slow down, it is looking increasingly likely that Chelsea will pass on bringing any players in over the next couple of weeks, with Antonio Conte likely being forced to wait until the summer in order to land some of his primary targets.

One such target, according to Chilean newspaper El Mercurio (via the Sun), is Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal – with Antonio Conte reportedly keen to link up with the former Juventus midfielder.

Conversely, it would also appear as though Chelsea could have a tough battle to hold on to some of their current players – with the Mirror reporting that Nemanja Matic is attracting the interest of Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho, with a summer move possibly on the cards.

If the reports are to be believed, Chelsea could have a very different midfield in a few months time – but who will make the cut next season under Antonio Conte?

With that said, could this be Chelsea’s potential new-look midfield next season including €40m-rated star?

 CM  – N’Golo Kante

Regardless of any new acquisitions, N’Golo Kante is likely to retain his place in the heart of the Chelsea midfield.

The French central midfielder has been a revelation over the last few weeks, and has been vital in Chelsea’s impressive return to form.

He adds a real level of defensive steel to the Chelsea midfield, which would allow Conte to pick a few more attacking players around him.

 CM – Cesc Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas hasn’t had much of a chance this year, but when he has played – he has looked incredible.

Going forward, especially if Matic is sold,  you would expect him to start regularly – and so a switch to a 3 man midfield could be likely – perhaps in a 4-3-3 or a 5-3-2

He offers excellent passing and dynamic set pieces – adding a real balance to this midfield.

 CM – Arturo Vidal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJwLGYeN1-M

A favourite under Antonio Conte at Juventus, there is no doubting what Vidal would bring to the Chelsea midfield.

A midfield enforcer, Vidal would add a real dynamic edge to the Chelsea midfield – and he would be the perfect replacement for Nemanja Matic.

At 29-years-old, he isn’t a long-term option – but Chelsea have had success in signing experienced midfielders before (see: Michael Ballack) – and could do again.

It is a lot of money, but what a player.

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