The number of players Chelsea have failed to sign this summer is larger than their list of newcomers. None of De Ligt, Kounde and Ake joined while getting at least one of Kimpembe or Skriniar will be difficult.
So what happens if Chelsea don't get to sign another centre-back?
Most likely, Thomas Tuchel will have to keep Cesar Azpilicueta and possibly Marcos Alonso. Young players Malang Sarr, Levi Colwill and Ethan Ampadu will likely stay put, too.
This is enough to give Tuchel two options.
1. Keep playing three at the back.
This is Tuchel's preferred formation but the Blues barely have the personnel: Koulibaly and soon-to-be-38-year-old Silva are the only established centre-backs. Beyond that are makeshift solutions like Azpilicueta or inexperienced youngsters.
2. Switch to four at the back.
Tuchel would have his best centre-backs starting but the depth issue isn't solved. At least Chelsea has N'Golo Kante as a holding midfielder to offer extra protection for the backline.
Hopefully the Blues would sign at least one new centre-back. But if they don't, do you think Tuchel would be better off switching to a back-four?
