Ten young players Chelsea will have their eye on this summer.
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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been quoted as saying he is enjoying the new challenges of working under UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations, hinting that this could lead to a change in approach in his transfer policy.
The Portuguese coach has been known for spending big money on star names throughout his career at Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, but has suggested now that he will be more long-term in his thinking, and look to bring through more young players at Stamford Bridge. We look at ten exciting young players who could be on Mourinho’s radar in this summer’s transfer window.
10. Adem Ljajic (Fiorentina)
With 11 goals and 8 assists for Fiorentina in Serie A this year, it is not surprising that Serbian starlet Adem Ljajic is attracting a lot of attention from many of Europe’s top clubs, reportedly including Chelsea. Still only 21, the talented attacking midfielder is making a real name for himself as one of the best young players in the Italian league at the moment, and could prove quite expensive even if he is a sound long-term investment.
Manchester United nearly signed him a few years ago from his former club Partizan Belgrade, but opted out of a deal at the time. However, his rapid rise since then has reignited their interest, and this battle between two title-chasing Premier League clubs could spark a big bidding war. Ljajic is yet to comment on his future, though he may rightly feel he would have more opportunities at Old Trafford rather than at Stamford Bridge, where he will have the likes of Juan Mata, Eden Hazard, Oscar and new signing Andre Schurrle to compete with in his preferred position behind the main striker.
Nevertheless, Ljajic is a top talent and could even force his way past such big names and establish himself as a regular for the Blues, though they may prioritise the strengthening of other positions first.