Chelsea re-established their ten-point lead at the top of the Premier League courtesy of a 2-1 victory at West Ham on Monday night.

Antonio Conte’s men had seen both Tottenham and Manchester City win over the weekend to put some pressure on the leaders, but goals from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa were enough to see off Slaven Bilic’s side, who did net late on through Argentine international Manuel Lanzini.

The result, Chelsea’s 21st league win of the campaign, sees the Blues once again go ten points clear at the top, and with just 11 games of the season remaining, they are becoming increasingly difficult to catch and indeed prevent from winning a fifth league title in the last 12 years.

Nonetheless, although there are still two months of the season remaining, it hasn’t stopped speculation building about who Conte may look to sign in the summer ahead of their likely title defence, and indeed their Champions League campaign.

And one man they’ve been linked with recently is Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson, who has impressed at the heart of Boro backline which has conceded just 30 goals this season, the least of any side in the bottom half of the Premier League.

Chelsea already have one of the best defences in the division, but there’s no doubt that Gibson would bolster their options, so here is what their impenetrable backline would look like should they secure the 24-year-old’s signature this summer…

Cesar Azpilicueta

Spanish international Cesar Azpilicueta has been one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League since arriving at Chelsea in 2012.

The 27-year-old has been used as a full-back for much of his Blues career, but this term has seamlessly slotted into Conte’s back three, with his ability as a right-back helping him flourish in his role on the right of the three.

Azpilicueta has started all of Chelsea’s 27 Premier League games this term, despite being part of the defence that struggled at the start, which itself highlights his incredible consistency, but also how highly Conte rates the Spaniard.

He’s one of the best defenders in the league, and one who looks set to be in the Blues backline for many years to come.

David Luiz

It was seen by many as a panic-buy after they missed out on their main targets, but Chelsea’s decision to bring David Luiz back to Stamford Bridge has been fully vindicated this term.

The Brazilian international has been outstanding at the heart of Conte’s back three, making 23 successive Premier League starts and in that time being part of a defence which has conceded just 16 goals.

The 29-year-old has never been renowned for his defensive ability, as seen when he captained his country to a 7-1 loss to Germany in World Cup semi-finals in 2014, yet he has improved drastically this season, and is now one of the most dependable centre-backs in the league.

The responsibility of leading the back three has brought the best out of Luiz, who looks like being the main man in that Chelsea defence for a while yet.

Ben Gibson

While it would be harsh on Gary Cahill to leave him out, he did make errors at the start of the campaign, and at the age of 31, the Blues may be considering a long-term replacement for the England defender.

And that man looks set to be Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson, who has impressed in Aitor Karanka’s struggling side this season.

The 24-year-old has started all 27 of their Premier League games this term, and has been a chief reason why Boro have conceded just 30 goals in the league so far, the least of any side in the bottom half of the table.

Impressive displays against Tottenham, Swansea, and Hull has seen interest grow in the centre-back, with both Chelsea and Manchester City linked with the Englishman.

Gibson has all the traits to become an excellent modern-day centre-back, and one that would surely slot into Conte’s back three at Chelsea, and in turn make them even more difficult to beat.