The players that could be strutting their stuff at Stamford Bridge next season.
It was a solid if unremarkable return to Chelsea for manager Jose Mourinho in 2013/14, with third place in the Premier League and Champions League semi-finals adequate – but things need to improve.
The lack of silverware will frustrate both Mourinho and owner Roman Abramovich and the Russian will delve into his deep pockets once again this summer to give the boss the funds needed for new transfers.
Here are the 10 most exciting players that have been linked with the Blues.
Diego Costa, Atletico Madrid
Mourinho has made no secrets about the fact that he wants to sign at least one world-class striker in the close season, with the current trio of Demba Ba, Samuel Eto’o and Fernando Torres all failing to impress and both Costa and his head coach Diego Simeone have spoken openly about this move.
Source: Daily Star.
Radamel Falcao, AS Monaco
Sticking with brilliant strikers and here is someone who used to be Costa’s teammate at the Vicente Calderon Stadium before a £50m transfer to Monaco in 2013, where Falcao is now unsettled.
Source: Guardian.
Roberto Firmino, Hoffenheim
What a year this 22-year-old Brazilian has had in the Bundesliga, scoring 16 goals and providing 11 assists in 33 matches from his position as a No.10 and the South American could be a useful addition to the ranks at Stamford Bridge.
Source: Guardian.
Sami Khedira, Real Madrid
With question marks over the future of Frank Lampard, John Obi Mikel and even Ramires in west London, Mourinho is on the lookout for a central midfielder and having signed Khedira for Madrid the 51-year-old is a big fan of the Germany international.
Source: Independent.
Felipe Luis, Atletico Madrid
Sticking in the Spanish capital and with Ashley Cole having confirmed he is leaving the Blues when his current contract expires this summer, a new left-back would be useful and Felipe has bags of experience having helped Atleti to the Champions League final and La Liga title this term.
Source: Daily Mail.
Mario Mandzukic, Bayern Munich
Another top-class striker now that could be on their way in the coming weeks, with Mandzukic set to be replaced as the first choice No.9 at the Allianz Arena by the impending arrival of Robert Lewandowski from rivals Borussia Dortmund.
Source: Independent.
Paul Pogba, Juventus
Whether or not the west Londoners could convince this former Manchester United man and highly coveted midfielder to join them is unknown, but Pogba is certainly one of the most exciting talents in world football currently.
Source: Metro.
John Stones, Everton
With David Luiz seemingly on his way out of the club, Mourinho may want to sign some defensive cover for Gary Cahill and captain John Terry and this impressive Toffees youngster would also help meet the league’s homegrown quota.
Source: Mirror.
Luke Shaw, Southampton
The influx of money provided by the sale of Luiz would give the Blues the funds to try and scupper Manchester United’s attempts to sign Shaw, especially as the 18-year-old is a boyhood fan of the London club and would be able to achieve Champions League football at the Bridge next season – unlike with the Red Devils.
Source: Daily Mail.
Raphael Varane, Real Madrid
Another Los Blancos player here that was signed in the Mourinho reign at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu and the Frenchman, like fellow countryman Pogba, is among the most promising youngsters in the game currently.
Source: Mirror.
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