With silly season coming up the transfer rumours have already started flying around, and Chelsea have been subject to more than their fair share.
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Chelsea transfer news
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Despite having won the Premier League there are still some areas that could do with improving including a new backup goalkeeper and striker, and some younger talent to help an ageing squad. So manager Jose Mourinho could have a busier summer than many expect.
With this in mind here is a realistic signing from every top flight side who could arrive at Stamford Bridge in the next transfer window. Who would be best for the Blues?
Arsenal: Theo Walcott
With the England international’s contract finishing at the end of next season, he could be on the market soon so that the Gunners can get some kind of return on the forward. The Metro has linked the Stamford Bridge outfit to Walcott, and he could be an alternative to Juan Cuadrado and Willian on the right wing who fulfils home-grown regulations.
Aston Villa: Christian Benteke
The Villains may now be safe from relegation, but they aren’t safe from the transfer vultures. The Blues have been linked to the striker by the Daily Star, and he could be a great replacement for Didier Drogba although the Belgian would likely want a larger role in the first team than the club legend has had this season.
Burnley: Danny Ings
Similarly to Walcott, Ings could fulfil part of the home grown quota as well as provide an extra option in his position. Drogba’s likely departure will probably mean that a new striker will be needed, and the 23-year-old’s 10 goals in a struggling side show he has the class for the Premier League. The Metro has linked him.
Crystal Palace: Wilfried Zaha
Although the 22-year-old struggled while at Manchester United, he has gone back to his former side and got back to his best. Still young, the wide man could be another of the potential stars that the Blues so like to sign and loan out these days.
Everton: John Stones
One of the best young players in English football at the moment and ESPN have linked him to the Blues. The Toffees’ defence has been markedly better with the 20-year-old in the side, and he is fast becoming the ball playing centre-back that fans have watched continental clubs produce for years. He could the eventual replacement for an ageing John Terry.
Hull City: Andrew Robertson
While the Tigers have been poor during the campaign, the left-back has been a rare ray of hope. It is very unlikely that Chelsea will do their shopping at the KC Stadium, but should they decide to do so the Scotland international is probably the best they could get.
Leicester City: Andrej Kramaric
The 23-year-old rejected the London outfit to go to the Foxes in January, he told the BBC. With him now finding it difficult to get in their side during a brilliant run of six wins in seven games, the Blues could have another go at signing the striker.
Liverpool: Raheem Sterling
In what looks like being one of the long running stories of the summer, the England international seems to be angling for a move away from Merseyside. The Daily Mail has recently reported that the youngster is looking for a house in the capital, which could give Chelsea some hope of getting the highly rated 20-year-old.
Manchester City: Yaya Toure
The Ivorian’s agent has claimed that the midfielder is 90% certain to leave the Sky Blues according to the Manchester Evening News, and who better to bolster the Blues in the middle of the park. Used as an impact or rotation player the 31-year-old could well be an important part of the squad.
Manchester United: Radamel Falcao
Although not strictly a Red Devils player, being on loan from AS Monaco, Chelsea have been linked to the Colombian by the Daily Express. He could be yet another player to replace Stamford Bridge hero Drogba.
Newcastle United: Moussa Sissoko
The Daily Mail linked the midfielder to the Blues during the January transfer window, and they could return to the 25-year-old in the summer. Were Jose Mourinho to sign the Magpies man it could stall the progress of Ruben Loftus-Cheek though.
Queens Park Rangers: Charlie Austin
Reasons for signing Austin are very similar to those for Danny Ings. Also in a relegated side, the 25-year-old may be older but he has also scored 7 more goals to take his total to 17 so far. Not a bad potential arrival for the Blues, but he doesn’t have the excitement attached to some of the bigger names linked. The Daily Express have rumoured the Blues to be interested.
Southampton: Nathaniel Clyne
Manchester United might be linked more strongly to the club, but Chelsea are also in the race for the right-back according to the Daily Mirror. Branislav Ivanovic is 31-years-old now, and a replacement could be due in the near future.
Stoke City: Jack Butland
With Petr Cech being forced out of the starting XI by Thibaut Courtois the club hero looks like he is going to leave. As such a new backup keeper will be needed, and Butland could be a young, and perhaps more importantly home-grown, option. However, they may have trouble getting him after the 22-year-old turned them down because he wanted to play more back in 2012, according to the Daily Mail.
Sunderland: Costel Pantilimon
It is unlikely that Jose Mourinho will be looking at the Black Cats for new signings, but if they do Pantilimon may an option as a reserve goalie. He did the job relatively well while at rivals Manchester City, and may be persuaded to do it again.
Swansea City: Bafetimbi Gomis
With five goals in his last eight games, the Frenchman seems to be finding his feet in the Premier League. As such he could be a Loic Remy-esque signing from the Blues, providing an option to rotate with Diego Costa.
Tottenham: Danny Rose
The Metro think that the left-back could move to Stamford Bridge. He would be a home-grown option who is perfectly capable of making a difference at the highest level, if his recent performances are anything to go by.
West Brom: Saido Berahino
For Berahino, read Austin or Ings. Another English striker making his name in the Premier League with 12 goals this season who could be a great replacement for 37-year-old Drogba.
West Ham: Enner Valencia
Mourinho is keen on the Ecuadorian according to the Daily Mail, and he would likely be another reserve for Diego Costa. He impressed with the Hammers in the first half of the campaign, but has tailed off since January to put some doubts over the thinking behind this signing.