While Chelsea have been linked with a wide range of players in recent months, speculation regarding potential arrivals went up a notch on Monday when it was claimed that the Blues are interested in Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite the Portugal international having turned 35 in February, reports in Spain suggest that club officials are willing to spend £108m on the veteran.
Given the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic, Juventus are said to be willing to consider parting ways with their highest earner at a time when they have imposed a salary cap on new arrivals.
Nevertheless, with the former Manchester United star having previously indicated that he would not consider representing another Premier League team, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will emerge as a realistic option.
Here, Sports Mole takes a look at how Frank Lampard's side could line up if they pull off what would undoubtedly be the transfer of the next window.
With Ronaldo having entered the latter stages of his career, he would be used in a central attacking position, leaving Chelsea's other attackers to work around him.
Although Timo Werner has netted 31 times for RB Leipzig this season, the 24-year-old would be restricted to the left flank, should he complete a £54m move, with Tammy Abraham left to sit among the replacements.
Lampard will feel a responsibility to include Christian Pulisic in his side, given the club's outlay in 2019, and that would likely result in fellow fresh face Hakim Ziyech being given responsibility in the number 10 role.
Signing Ronaldo has the potential to lead to complications regarding the make-up of Lampard's midfield, particularly concerning the future of Jorginho, who continues to be linked with a transfer in the opposite direction.
Chelsea may also jump at the opportunity to recoup some funds with the sale of N'Golo Kante given the Frenchman's persistent injury problems since Lampard's arrival.
With that in mind, it is possible that a partnership of Billy Gilmour and Mateo Kovacic could be created in the middle of the park after their respective performances this season.
Providing that Chelsea push through a deal for Leicester City's Ben Chilwell, the England international will line up at left-back, potentially leaving Cesar Azpilicueta out of the team due to the emergence of Reece James.
While there remains talk of a new goalkeeper arriving at Stamford Bridge, that may have to be put on the backburner if a large chunk of Lampard's transfer funds are used to sign Ronaldo.
Darren Plant
