5 players Chelsea could have signed instead of Kai Havertz

#3 Jadon Sancho

England World Cup Qualifier Camp

Jadon Sancho was heavily linked with a host of Europe's top clubs last summer. The English winger had joined Borussia Dortmund from Manchester City in the summer of 2017, and developed into one of the best players in the Bundesliga.

Sancho scored 50 goals and provided an astonishing 64 assists in 137 games in all competitions for Dortmund during his four seasons with the club. The 21-year-old was linked with a move to Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid before joining Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side this summer in a deal worth £73 million.

Sancho's pace, vision and crossing ability could have made him the ideal partner for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku in their attack.

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#2 Paulo Dybala

Juventus vs Empoli FC - Serie A

Paulo Dybala was considered to be one of the best No.10s or 'second strikers' in world football until last season.

Dybala scored 68 league goals in five seasons for Juventus before the 2020-21 campaign, when he seemingly fell out of favour under former Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo. He was Juventus' talisman during the 2019-20 season, winning the Serie A's Most Valuable Player of the Year award that year.

Dybala was one of the most sought-after players in world football a couple of seasons ago, and was often linked with a move to the Premier League. The 27-year-old is currently attempting to rejuvenate his career at Juventus under Massimiliano Allegri.

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#1 James Maddison

Norwich City vs Leicester City - Premier League

The Leicester City midfielder has been linked with a move to many top clubs in the Premier League almost every summer. James Maddison has seen his career dip slightly since bursting onto the scene in the Premier League with Leicester City three years ago.

The former Norwich City star was one of the biggest prospects in English football. He is still considered one of the most talented attacking midfielders in the Premier League.

Maddison's work rate, creativity, and eye for goal would have made him the ideal signing for Chelsea last season. The Englishman would have also come at a cheaper price than Havertz, as Leicester City were reportedly listening to offers in the region of £50 million for the 24-year-old.