With just 40 days until the transfer window re-opens, speculation regarding summer activity is beginning to increase and as always, many of these rumours are heavily focused around Chelsea.
Abramovich’s men don’t have much left to play for this season. After defeat at the hands of Manchester City this weekend, they found themselves eliminated from the FA Cup.
On top of this, the Blues currently site in 4th place, just one point behind 3rd place Arsenal. With no chance of winning this season’s Premier League title, it seems the Europa League is the club’s supporter’s last hope of a trophy.
It’s very likely we’ll witness big changes at Stamford Bridge for yet another season. Alongside a new manager, I’d expect to see a number of new faces among the playing staff by the time the window closes.
Here’s a look at the biggest names Chelsea have been linked during the past couple of weeks:
Andre Schurrle
The Blues are reportedly ready to begin talks with Bayern Leverkusen winger Andre Schurrle regarding a £20million move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Abramovich is understood to be ready to open his chequebook to land the Bundesliga ace, who has netted 11 goals in 34 appearances for Leverkusen this term.
Representatives of the 22-year-old reportedly watched the Blues 2-1 FA Cup semi-final defeat at Wembley this weekend and will discuss personal terms with the west London outfit this week.
The Blues attempted to land the powerful forward in the summer, when Roberto Di Matteo was in charge, but were priced out of a move for the Germany international.
The club’s continued interest in Schurrle, who has featured mainly from the left wing this season but can also play centrally, is a clear indication that Russia oligarch Abramovich is controlling transfers at the Bridge.
Hulk
The powerful forward has struggled to adjust to Russian football since joining Zenit St Petersburg from Porto last summer for £39m.
Chelsea’s current strikers have failed to find form at time this season and it’s obvious the club need to start scoring goals if they wish to challenge for the title next year. Hulk could fit the bill, despite his hefty transfer clause.
Reports in Spain indicate that Jose Mourinho may urge Hulk to join Chelsea if he is granted a second spell at Stamford Bridge this summer.
Radamel Falcao
It’s a well-known fact that Chelsea have been long-term admirers of Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao.
The £48 million-rated front man is reportedly being tracked by the Blues as well as both the Manchester Clubs. According to recent speculation, United have emerged as favourites to sign the Columbian in summer, but this will by no-means put Abramovich off making a move for the player.
Regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, Falcao not only scored a hat-trick against Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup, but has helped Atletico Madrid climb into third place in La Liga.
He takes chances whenever possible and rarely makes a mistake. There were rumours of a part exchange deal to buy Falcao and have Fernando Torres go the other way, but it is yet to be seen if that deal will become reality.