Chelsea have been the big spenders so far this summer – splashing out £32 million on Eden Hazard.
The Blues continue to be linked with long-term targets Hulk and Luka Modric. But who else have they been linked with signing over the past few days?
Here are five – decide for yourselves which ones will stand up and which ones won’t be wearing a Chelsea shirt next season…
The Brazilian was rated as the best right-back in the world two years ago, turning in stunning displays to help Inter Milan win the Champions League, and continuing his form at the 2010 World Cup. Months later his reputation was harmed by the wing wizardry of Tottenham’s Gareth Bale, who lit up White Hart Lane terrorising the defender in a memorable win. Now 30, the Metro report, along with several others, that Chelsea are close to bringing him to the Premier League in a cut-price £6 million switch. The defender would replace Jose Bosingwa and compete with Branislav Ivanovic for the right-back position. He scored three times and provided four assists in 30 starts last season.
Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has been linked with a shock move across London after it emerged he was stalling on a new contract. Could he follow in the footsteps of Ashley Cole and leave the Emirates to win medals at Chelsea? Despite breaking onto the scene several years ago, Walcott is only 23, and his best years are seemingly ahead of him. Chelsea need a right-sided attacker and Walcott’s talent and age profile fit the bill – both the Mirror and the Mail argue a deal could be possible. He scored at Stamford Bridge last season in a 5-3 win for Arsenal, ending it with 10 goals and 10 assists.
Benfica signed Axel Witsel for just £6.9 million last summer from Standard Liege in Belgium, and want to sell him on now for triple the price. The 23-year-old central midfielder is similar in style to compatriot Marouane Fellaini, also linked with a Chelsea switch. He would join Lukaku, De Bruyne, Hazard and Courtois as part of Chelsea’s contingent. The club know all about him after playing twice against him in the Champions League. The Standard report Chelsea’s interest, adding that Manchester United are also interested.
Luke Shaw is another highly rated talent to come from Southampton’s production line. Arsenal are hovering, and the Independent report that Chelsea are to bid £4 million to attempt to secure the youngster ahead of their rivals. The 16-year-old left-back is yet to start a first team game, and would have to overcome both Cole and Bertrand at Chelsea, but surely if he is good enough he will get his chances, and even head out on loan first. Newly promoted Southampton are reluctant to lose him and if they were to, they would likely try to hold out for more money for the young talent.
The Victor Moses to Chelsea story is doing the rounds again today, with a report suggesting that the Blues are to double their initial £4 million offer and then some. The Metro suggest that Chelsea are willing to throw in Josh McEachran to Wigan on loan for the season to help him gain valuable first team football, on top of £8 million in cash. That sounds like a deal which Wigan would be hard-pressed to turn down, for if Chelsea refuse to go above £8 million and walk away, it is doubtful that others will. Moses could fit in well on Chelsea’s right side, and at the moment seems a more likely option than Walcott.
Which of these five do you believe Chelsea will sign? Who else should be on their radar?
image: © Ben Sutherland
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