How Chelsea will line up next season as they look to secure Tiemoue Bakayoko, add Romelu Lukaku and bring back Andreas Christensen

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The worst thing any side that wins the title can do is rest on its laurels. Chelsea have learned that, having been burned the last time they won the Premier League by a lack of improvement.

This summer seems to be different, with manager Antonio Conte backed in the transfer market by owner Roman Abramovich. Tiemoue Bakayoko will become their first signing of the summer at some point this week.

But how will they line up? Sportsmail has taken a look at their likely starting XI for next season. 

Chelsea won the title last season - but they are not resting on their laurels in the summer

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Real Madrid pursued Courtois as an alternative to David de Gea but it has become increasingly clear that the big Belgian is going to stay at Stamford Bridge this summer. Willy Caballero will be added on a free transfer from Manchester City but he will only be a back-up to Chelsea's first choice.

Centre-back: Cesar Azpilicueta

Diminutive defender Azpilucueta is not the most obvious option in central defence, but he is perfect for the role on the right side of the Chelsea back three. His size belies the fact that he is good in the air - he won 51 per cent of his headed duels last season. And he's a calm tackler and good reader of the game, meaning Chelsea will not replace him unless they pull off one of their more ambitious moves.

Thibaut Courtois (pictured) will remain first choice goalkeeper despite Willy Caballero's arrival

The Argentine will arrive on a free transfer from Premier League rivals Manchester City

Centre-back: David Luiz

 Luiz's return to Chelsea surprised most observers. That reaction was nothing compared to the responses to his displays as Luiz became a sensational part of Conte's three-man defence. He led by example in the middle of the trio, both defender and playmaker, putting aside the mistakes of the past and adding a composure that came with his advanced age. There are few defenders in the world better suited to Luiz's role.

Centre-back: Andreas Christensen

Chelsea wanted Christensen back last summer, but his two-year Borussia Monchengladbach loan deal was watertight. His second season was even better than his first, and at 21 years old, the Blues may have a defender for now and the future. He has Champions League experience - something he would not have got at Stamford Bridge - and a reputation that justifies him becoming Gary Cahill's replacement at the back.

Andreas Christensen will return to Chelsea after a stunning two-year spell in Germany

Right wing-back: Victor Moses

No one expected Moses to become a key part of a title-winning side, but then again no one thought he had it in him to be a wing-back. The Nigeria international took to a specialist role with ease, using his attacking talents and backing them up with a surprising defensive solidity. Worked well in tandem with Azpilicueta.

Central midfielder: N'Golo Kante

Why would any club look beyond Kante? Justifiably won most of the individual honours last season after a staggering second campaign in the Premier League that threatened to top his wonderful first. A hard-running, intercepting, and tackling midfielder who belies his size like Ant-Man to dominate any battle. Easily the best in the league.

Central midfielder: Tiemoue Bakayoko

One of the beneficiaries of Monaco's stunning run to the Champions League semi-final last season. Bakayoko is a perfect replacement for - some would say improvement on - Nemanja Matic, who is set to seal a switch to Old Trafford. Expected to be announced this week as part of a £35.2m deal.

Victor Moses should continue his role as a right wing-back, where he impressed last season

Tiemoue Bakayoko will be confirmed as a Chelsea player this week, Sportsmail understands

Left wing-back: Alex Sandro

Chelsea saw an initial offer of £55.2m rebuffed by Juventus but Sandro is one of manager Conte's real priorities in the transfer market. Marcos Alonso did a fine job last season. Sandro, however, would represent an improvement. Having Alonso in reserve would only serve Chelsea well.

Inside forward: Pedro

Seemed like a flop after a stuttering first season with the Blues, but a new manager and a new role changed Pedro. He scored nine goals and provided the same number of assists in 35 league games. A justified choice in the positions behind the striker.

Inside forward: Eden Hazard

Rejuvenated under Conte last season. Hazard dropped off his usual left-wing position to take one of the two slots behind the striker and the additional space it afforded him meant he put team after team to the sword. Seems unlikely to leave Stamford Bridge and it would be tough to improve on him.

Alex Sandro will be added and is likely to play ahead of current wing-back Marcos Alonso

Striker: Romelu Lukaku

Already has a deal agreed in principle with Chelsea but Everton are holding out for £100million. The Blues will have to sign a new striker given Diego Costa's rebellious actions while on international duty and Lukaku is the prime target. His goalscoring record speaks for itself. 

Signings that could change the team:

Chelsea want Leonardo Bonucci and Jerome Boateng for their defence but both are seen as unrealistic. Virgil van Dijk prefers a move to Liverpool.

Should Lukaku not sign, the likes of Alvaro Morata, Andrea Belotti and Robert Lewandowksi have all been eyed as alternatives up front. 

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku is the preferred choice up front, with Diego Costa to leave