Chelsea look set to spend big this summer, and with Eden Hazard seemingly secured, it is a case of ‘onto the next ones’.
The Roman Abramovich Revolution Mark II.
That is certainly what it feels like, with an epic first chapter of his ownership complete, sealed with a Champions League victory and departure of star striker Didier Drogba.
Drogba is not the only player to depart, Salomon Kalou and Jose Bosingwa have both been told they can leave, while Florent Malouda is expected to go too.
The first big step in the rebuilding project has apparently been put in place, with the signing of Belgian wonderkid Eden Hazard.
Throw in Marko Marin and Kevin de Bruyne too along with Juan Mata, and next season’s Chelsea will have an exciting dimension like never seen before in the Abramovich era.
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That is not likely to be it though, there are still areas in which Chelsea need to strengthen.
Namely up front- is Fernando Torres capable of leading the line?
Even if so, just Torres, Sturridge and Lukaku are not going to be enough to sustain pressure on all fronts, and fans will rightly expect a new face.
Several have been linked; Falcao, Seydou Doumbia, Edinson Cavani, but the one which appears most likely is Porto striker Hulk.
A similar physical build to Didier Drogba, he will offer something different to Fernando Torres, and can also play on the wing.
Porto are believed to be open to a sale, and Hulk’s agent is said to be in the UK at present negotiating with clubs.
Another player whose name keeps cropping up is Shakhtar Donetsk winger Willian, who was linked heavily with a switch in January.
The attacking midfielder led the Ukranian side to another double this season, and is keen on a move to London.
He would join Ramires and David Luiz as the club’s third Brazilian, but his position on the left-wing would double up with Marin and Hazard. Chelsea would have to find a solution for this, potentially giving Hazard a free role. This is still one transfer we expect to go ahead.
The third we believe will be completed soon is the signing of Gregory van der Wiel at right-back.
With Bosingwa released, Branislav Ivanovic is Chelsea’s sole cover in the position, and the Ajax man is expected to be available at around £10 million.
There will be other options, Hazard’s Lille teammate Mathieu Debuchy for one.
Rumours of a deal for Theo Walcott are just speculation, which Chelsea fans will do doubt be pleased about.
A further question remains over whether Chelsea need to sign a midfield enforcer, with John Obi Mikel inconsistent. City would not sell Nigel de Jong to Chelsea, but a player in the same mould, Arsenal target Yann M’Vila would be a tremendous acquisition if Chelsea want to splash the cash further.
Their future targets will of course depend on the new manager, their most important signing of all.
Whatever happens this summer, the feelgood factor from winning the Champions League will keep Chelsea fans excited, and the Hazard factor will help convince prospective players that Chelsea is the place to be.
Who do you want to see Chelsea sign next?
image: © Ben Sutherland
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