Colombian superstar could prove too expensive for Stamford Bridge outfit…
The transfer window slams shut in just seven days and CaughtOffside checks out six players José Mourinho could take a look at should Chelsea fail in their pursuit of Fiorentina ace Juan Cuadrado.
With the Italians demanding big money for Cuadrado, according to Goal, the Blues may have to try out some alternative attacking midfield options…
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Fiorentina President Comments On Future Of Chelsea Target Juan Cuadrado
Chelsea transfer news
1) Douglas Costa
Shakhtar’s Brazilian winger has said Chelsea would be a “dream”, according to the Express, and may be on his way to Stamford Bridge sooner rather than later.
Costa has made a name for himself playing in a side which has made a habit of upsetting the odds on the European stage, as well as dominating the Ukrainian Premier League, winning the past five titles consecutively.
With a bid reportedly being upped to £19m, the South American could be on his way to the Blues sooner rather than later.
2) Roberto Firmino
Hoffenheim’s Roberto Firmino has been making waves in European football and the Express reported he’d signed a deal with Manchester United this November…
However, there has been no activity with regards to the Brazilian playmaker so far this transfer window, potentially leaving the door open for a move to Chelsea.
Firmino caught the eye of Europe’s elite by putting in a string of impressive performances this season in the Bundesliga and enhanced his burgeoning reputation by making his debut for Brazil in October 2014.
3) Denis Cheryshev
The Real Madrid- owned winger has been in impressive form this season with La Liga surprise package Villarreal.
Cheryshev has worked his way through the youth ranks at the Bernabéu since the age of 10 and Russia’s national team since Under-15 level. After getting his chance in Real Madrid Castilla in 2009, loan moves to Sevilla and now Villarreal have followed.
While he doesn’t seem to be getting a fair chance at Real Madrid, with the embarrassment of riches Carlo Ancelotti has available to him it is entirely plausible that any of Europe’s top table, including Chelsea, could take a chance on him.
4) Karim Benzema
There is very little football’s elite doesn’t know about Real Madrid and France marksman Karim Benzema. He has been a consistent performer and scorer at Los Blancos, though if reports from the Daily Star are to be believed, he is a transfer target for Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and PSG.
According to The Independent, Real Madrid are also open to cashing in on their asset and where the English top names are linked, Chelsea never seem to be far behind.
5) Raheem Sterling
If reports in the Express are to believed, Chelsea could be about to move for England and Liverpool starlet Raheem Sterling following a contract dispute at Anfield.
Sterling won the European Golden Boy award in December and has a reputation which is seemingly forever growing. With Liverpool now out of the Champions League and looking unlikely to hit the heights of last season any time soon, it is entirely possible he could force a move to one of Europe’s elite this month.
With many potential suitors, Chelsea are unlikely to be far away should any move materialise, although Liverpool would be loathe to sell to their rivals.
6) Lionel Messi
Widely regarded as the best player in the world, four-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has been surrounded by uncertainty and rumour during this January transfer window.
Messi added fuel to the fire earlier this month by following the Chelsea Instagram account and skipping an open training session. According to the Express, the Blues are doing their best to lure him away from the Nou Camp.
Any potential move would surely only take place in the summer, as it would undoubtedly break the world-record transfer fee.