Stamford Bridge side ready to splash the cash.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is ready to fund incoming Blues boss Jose Mourinho to the tune of £100m as the Russian billionaire looks to make a major statement of intent during the summer transfer window.
The Daily Mirror claims that Mourinho has told Abramovich he needs a minimum of six new additions to help reinforce a Chelsea squad that finished some 14 points off the Premier League title pace and fell at the first Champions League hurdle this season.
It would appear that Chelsea’s strike-force, or perhaps lack thereof, is an area that Mourinho sees as in most need of repair.
Radamel Falcao tops the outgoing Real Madrid boss’s list of potential striker signings and Mourinho feels he has the upper hand on prospective buyers Monaco and Manchester City in the battle to sign Colombian superstar Falcao from Atletico Madrid.
Mourinho shares the same agent Falcao and believes this connection could help him snap up the prolific forward, who has scored 70 goals in 90 appearances for Atletico Madrid.
Zenit forward Hulk is apparently a back-up option and Roman Abramovich’s connections with the Russian Premier League side could aid any move for the powerful Brazilian.
Chelsea are already in talks to sign Bayer Leverkusen forward Andre Schurrle, who is a target that pre-dates Mourinho’s planned return but is nonetheless a player the 50 year old Portuguese boss rates highly.
Jose Mourinho plans to raid former club FC Porto to land French defender Eliaquim Mangala who may well be considered a long term replacement for John Terry.
The French Under 21 international is considered by many as one of the best young talents in Europe and clearly a move for the former Standard Liege player adheres to Roman Abramovich’s youthful transfer policy. Mangala has helped FC Porto to back to back domestic titles in his two seasons in Portugal.
Jose Mourinho wants Malaga youngster Isco, a player who has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in Spanish football. Given that the La Rosaleda side have lost manager Manuel Pellegrini and been banned from European competition next season it seems highly likely that the Spanish international playmaker will leave this summer and could be tempted by a move to Stamford Bridge.
Isco has netted 11 goals from midfield this season and was particularly impressive in Malaga’s run to the Champions League quarter-finals.
Everton powerhouse Marouane Fellaini is another name on the Mourinho wish-list and similarly to Malaga the Toffees uncertain future without David Moyes at the helm could be a factor in any move for the club’s top performers, of which the Belgian is certainly one.
The 25 year old has had an excellent season and will have a host of potential suitors, the fact that the Belgian international has stated publicly his desire to play Champions League football may well leave Chelsea feeling they have a decent chance of snapping the midfielder up.