João Félix signs and Victor Osimhen stays – Chelsea with new lineup and bold tactics from Enzo Maresca

Chelsea’s hectic summer window shows no signs of slowing down as Enzo Maresca looks to guide his side back to the Champions League.

The Blues have already brought in nine players worth more than £160m – and that figure could rise to around £300m.

That’s without taking into account the £56million they agreed to sign Brazilian star Estevão Willian, who will move to west London next year.

Chelsea have shelled out around £600m on new signings in 2023, with their recent activity seeing them shell out well over £1bn since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital completed their takeover in 2022.

And following the £51.4m purchase of Pedro Neto, two more high-profile acquisitions could be on the cards.

talkSPORT understands that their £36million move to sign Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion has fallen through at the last minute.

That means they could bring Joao Felix back to Stamford Bridge on a permanent deal for around £43m.

Felix scored four goals for Chelsea in 20 appearances across all competitions during his disappointing loan spell in the second half of the 2022/23 season.

But his versatility to play anywhere across the front line – as well as in the No. 10 position – makes him an attractive option for new coach Maresca.

And it is believed the pursuit of Felix will not affect the quest to bring in Napoli marksman Victor Osimhen to lead their line.

If Chelsea can pull it off, they could field a new attacking trio, while Maresca could adopt a bold starting XI – without captain Reece James.

Here’s how talkSPORT.com predicted Chelsea could start in a radical 4-1-2-3 formation.

Following his £20.7m arrival from Villarreal, Filip Jorgensen looks set to start between the sticks.

Marc Cucurella – fresh from winning Euro 2024 with Spain – will continue at left-back, having been one of the club’s most consistent performers this year.

The centre-back partnership is likely to be made up of Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill, who started together in Chelsea’s final pre-season friendly against Inter Milan on Sunday, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

At right-back, captain James would normally fill that role but he is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, as well as being ruled out for the first three games of the season through suspension.

Malo Gusto has impressed in his absence, but Maresca could opt for a different option in the form of central midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Caicedo was used as a full-back occasionally during his Brighton days, and was an assured performer at right-back after being tested against Inter.

Maresca praised Caicedo’s qualities during the club’s tour of America, where he said: “I love Moi. I’ve known him for many years. I know how he plays.”

If the Ecuadorian finds himself on the right side of the defense, Maresca could then field a lone defensive midfielder instead of a double pivot.

Caicedo’s positional switch will see Enzo Fernandez start in the starting line-up ahead of Romeo Lavia, who is finally fit after an injury-plagued 2023/24 season.

Cole Palmer would then be moved from right wing to a roving box-to-box role, with Christopher Nkunku coming in as the club’s number 10.

Neto would then play at right back, with Félix positioned on the left wing.

That would leave Mykhailo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke having to settle for a place on the bench.

And Osimhen would then lead the new front line, with Nicolas Jackson as the Nigerian’s backup.

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