Chelsea could be set for a busy summer transfer window as they look to recover from being the 2017 Premier League champions, to missing out on Champions League qualification altogther just 12 months later.

It was a miserable defence of their title and things weren't great in the Champions League either where the Blues, whose fans have delivered their verdict on a potential move for a £63m striker, they were knocked out by Barcelona at the last 16 stage.

While they did end the campaign by lifting the FA Cup, manager Antonio Conte's future is in severe doubt and owner Roman Abramovich could wield the axe sooner rather than later in order to get a new man in and the squad ready by the time the window closes on August 9 – two days before the 2018/19 campaign gets underway.

The west London club have already been linked with big-money moves for the likes of £45m-rated Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles and Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey in recent weeks, but they perhaps already have the answers to those problem centre-back and winger positions in their ranks in terms of some of their talented teenage starlets.

Here are three exciting Chelsea youngsters who could save Abramovich a fortune this summer…

The 18-year-old – who can play as a centre-back or at right-back – picked up Chelsea's Academy Player of the Year award for the 2017/18 campaign last month following an impressive season.

The defender captained the young Blues to FA Youth Cup success, while he impressed many with his strength, mentality and leadership skills.

Chelsea may be looking for a new right-back/right wing-back this summer to compete or replace Victor Moses and Davide Zappacosta – the latter of whom supporters have demanded be sold – and enforcer James looks to be ready to make the step up to the first team sooner rather than later.

Chelsea may look to bring in a new midfielder this summer with Danny Drinkwater, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Ross Barkley so far flattering to deceive, but Abramovich could save himself some cash if Ampadu is given his chance to shine instead.

The Wales international, who can play as a defensive midfielder or a centre-back, would be able to slot in alongside N'Golo Kante in the middle of the park, allowing the Frenchman a little bit more freedom to get forward.

The fact that the 17-year-old can also cover at centre-back is also a huge positive, and given the quality he has shown in his little time on the pitch for the first team already last season, he could stop the need for the Blues to splash out £45m on someone like Jamaal Lascelles.

While Eden Hazard is still Chelsea's best player, the Blues may well look to upgrade on the right flank where the likes of Willian and Pedro didn't make the positive impact that perhaps would have been expected from them during the 2017/18 campaign.

While the west London outfit have long been linked with a move for explosive Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey, they may well have the answer to their problem on the flank in the form of 17-year-old Hudson-Odoi.

The talented teenager scored 17 goals in 32 appearances for the various Chelsea youth teams last season, and he could be a huge hit in the first team next term as the Blues look to the future.

Do you agree, Chelsea fans? Let us know below.