Chelsea
In: Edinson Cavani, Andre Schurrle, Raphael Varane.
Out: Fernando Torres, Michael Essien, David Luiz.
In a move that could see Chelsea kill two birds with one stone, they may be able to land Edinson Cavani from Napoli by offering Fernando Torres in return. This season’s interim manager Rafael Benitez has just been announced as the new manager of the Serie A side and might be keen to link up with Torres again after the pair enjoyed success in their Liverpool days. Cavani would be an excellent addition for the Blues, as he has established himself as one of the world’s best strikers in the last few years, scoring 104 goals in 138 appearances for Napoli. Manchester City and Real Madrid are also keen on the Uruguayan, but Chelsea may hold the cards here with the Torres swap option.
Another player that is widely expected to join Chelsea is Bayer Leverkusen winger Andre Schurrle. The Blues may once again offer a player in exchange and it is now being mooted that youngster Kevin De Bruyne will join the Bundesliga side on loan for one season as part of the deal.
One major signing Chelsea will be hoping for this summer is the return of Jose Mourinho as manager. The Real Madrid boss has confirmed he will be leaving the Bernabeu at the end of the season and Stamford Bridge seems certain to be his destination. If he joins he will no doubt plot a raid on his old club and has been linked with outstanding defensive prospect Raphael Varane.
The signing of Varane would be particularly useful if David Luiz moves in the other direction, which has been suggested as Mourinho supposedly doesn’t rate the eccentric Brazilian. Michael Essien is another who will surely depart after a bad few years of injury struggles.