Chelsea may have already added £60 million worth of talent to their Champions-League winning squad this summer, but the club have confirmed that they are still looking to strengthen their ranks before the start of the season.
Eden Hazard, Mirko Marin, Thorgan Hazard and Oscar have already made the move to the London club during the current transfer window, but the Blues’ chief executive Ron Gourlay has stated the clubs intentions to spend, to increase their chances of success next season.
Here’s a look at who else could be moving to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Targets
Following the departure of Drogba to China, Chelsea are still anxious to add another forward to the squad. Whilst Lukaku and Fernando Torres have the potential to lead the line at Stamford Bridge, as of yet, neither have proven themselves in Chelsea colours. Therefore Di Matteo will surely look to bring in a goalscorer before the transfer window closes.
Edison Cavani
Cavani’s name has been linked to Chelsea for much of the summer. The Uruguayan has proven himself to be one of the best strikers in the world over the past two seasons and scored against the Blues in last season’s Champions League.
Although Napoli would be extremely reluctant sellers and are sure to demand a mammoth fee, reports are increasingly suggesting that Cavani is interested in a move.
Falcao
Falcao is another attacking option that Chelsea could pursue. The Colombian has been one of the most feared front men in European football in the past two years as he has led first Porto and then Atletico Madrid to Europa League glory in successive seasons.
However, It will take a significant offer to prize Falcao away from Atletico, having been signed only a year ago for €40 million.
Hulk
Hulk is another player Chelsea have been linked with multiple times since the end of last season. A transfer has recently looked in doubt, after disagreements over a final transfer fee, but I wouldn’t rule a deal out just yet.
The Brazilian is currently representing his nation at the London 2012 Olympics. Chelsea scouts are no doubt keeping an eye on the player as his side breeze through the group stages of the tournament.
Cesar Azpilicueta
Chelsea also appear intent on strengthening the right side of their defense for next season. With the departure of Jose Bosingwa and Branislav Ivanovic viewed as a more natural center-back, Di Matteo is thought to be eager to welcome an established right-back to similar defensive and offensive capabilities as those provided by Ashley Cole on the other flank.
Currently top of that list, according to reports is Marseille’s Cesar Azpilicueta. The 22-year-old is a member of the Spanish squad that suffered a shock elimination from the preliminary round of the London Olympics.
The Express reports that an £8 million deal is now being discussed between the clubs.
Victor Moses
Despite the attacking talent already added during the current window, Chelsea have also been actively pursuing Wigan’s wide man Victor Moses.
The 21-year-old has just a year remaining on his contract with the Latics, but Wigan have so far rejected a series of bids, the last of which is thought to have been £6 million.
However, Wigan are thought to be holding out for their ambitious valuation of £10 million, although various sources have claim that a deal may be done for £7.5 million.