Jose Mourinho is already plotting for ways in which to strengthen his Chelsea side ahead of the new Barclays Premier League season where the race for the title could be as close as it’s ever been.
SEE ALSO:
Jose Mourinho admits he can’t stop Petr Cech from joining Arsenal this summer
Dani Alves signs new Barcelona contract and ends speculation of summer Manchester United move
Chelsea demand £10m for Newcastle United target
With both Manchester clubs along with Arsenal expected to pose a genuine threat to the Blues’ title next season, Mourinho has told reporters at BT Sport’s European football launch on Tuesday afternoon that he wants to improve his squad by adding three new players in key areas.
Mail Sport reporter Sam Cunningham revealed what the Portugese manager had to say via his official Twitter account:
Jose Mourinho reveals he is targeting a striker, defender and midfielder in the transfer market this summer.
— Sam Cunningham (@samcunningham) June 9, 2015
The Blues, who stormed to the title this year in dominant fashion as they remained at the top of the table for a record 274 consecutive days, have been heavily linked with moves for former Manchester United loanee Radamel Falcao [via Independent Sport], Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann [via Express Sport] and Aston Villa forward Christian Benteke [via Metro Sport].
In midfield a potential exchange deal involving Oscar and Ramires for Juventus’ powerhouse Paul Pogba has been mooted [via Daily Star Sport], while Mourinho is known to be a huge fan of French defender Raphael Varane, who he coached at Real Madrid and it was reported by Metro Sport last month that he was readying a huge £38.5million bid for the 22-year-old.
Following the expected departure of club legend Didier Drogba this summer once his contract expires, Chelsea will be left with just two senior strikers in Diego Costa and Loic Remy.
The former Atletico man endured on-going problems with a troublesome hamstring injury throughout his debut season and his absence towards the end of the campaign simply highlighted that a suitable replacement is needed.
Remy, who signed from Newcastle United last summer, did weigh in with crucial goals during the title-winning campaign, however, he only started six Premier League games and reports in the Express Sport on Monday suggested he could be on his way out in the summer, with a host of clubs interested in his signature.
Meanwhile in defence, Gary Cahill’s lack of consistency could result in a new centre-half coming in and the potential addition of Pogba would allow Cesc Fabregas to occupy his favoured in number 10 role behind the striker next season.
Mourinho will find out who his side will kick-off the 2015/16 Premier League season against on June 17 when the fixture list is released.