Chelsea have had a great season so far and look home and dry in the race for the Premier League already. Further to this, they have a real chance of doing the double this term having made it to the semi-finals of the FA Cup, where they will face rivals Tottenham next month.

It’s hard to pick out any real weaknesses in this Chelsea squad, but you can be sure that Conte will be examining areas where new personal could take Chelsea to the next level. With European football on the agenda next term Conte will definitely need to bulk out his squad, somewhere the Blues look a little thin on the ground is at left wing-back.

This is a very tricky position to fill, as to be effective the player needs to be both strong defensively and clever in attacking situations. Further to this, they’ll need to be relentlessly energetic to get up and down the touchline all game long. So let’s run the rule on some of the players Chelsea may be considering a move for this summer.

Of all the realistically attainable players Chelsea could sign at left wing-back Alex Sandro may prove the most difficult to prize away from his club. The Juventus man is a true star, racking up 2 goals and 5 assists this season so far. The Brazilian meshes power and skill together perfectly, and is as creative in attack as he is solid in defence.

Another option at left wing-back is Jonas Hector, the FC Koln man has made 26 appearances for world champions Germany, this shows his pedigree. The 26-year-old couples a measured defensive approach with strong attacking credentials. What’s more he’s extremely versatile and is comfortable enough on the ball to play in defensive midfield if required.

Another option here is Schalke’s Sead Kolasinac. The Bosnia and Herzegovina international has bagged 3 goals and 5 assists in his 20 Bundesliga appearances so far this term. The 23-year-old has played at both left-back and left-midfield this year, and under Conte’s guidance could help him make the adaption to play in the in-between spot at wing-back.

These are three quality options that would all give Marcos Alonso some real competition for the spot in the starting lineup next year. Competition for places is good, Chelsea have that in nearly every other position. An addition at left wing-back could really drive the Spaniard on next term as Chelsea return to the Champions League and (almost certainly) defend their Premier League crown.