Chelsea have had a season to forget this year and a massive summer clear out is certainly on the horizon.
However new manager Conte may also be looking at some deals which could turn Chelsea’s fortunes around.
Chelsea are very likely to spend a lot of money in the hopes they can become a Premier League title challenger once again.
But their are also some very capable players who have run down their contract and are available to be snapped up by a variety of big teams.
With some big name stars becoming free signings available next season, it may be Conte’s chance to improve the squad without having to spend a penny in his transfer budget.
Hit Conte below to see FIVE free transfers he should consider!
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Steve Mandanda
Now while he may not be a first choice keeper, Steve Mandanda could be an asset for Chelsea on and off the pitch. At 31 Mandanda still has a few good years left in him and is a clear upgrade on Begovic. Mandanda would also add a vast amount of experience in the Chelsea squad that may be missing with Terry not being given a new deal.
The problem is that will Mandanda want to be a second choice keeper and will his wage be to much for a keeper that may only play cup games. However if Mandanda is willing to play a small role for Chelsea then he is a suitable replacement if Courtois gets injured.
Nicolas N’Koulou
Another player looking to leave Marseille is Cameroon international N’Koulou. The 26 year old has already made 158 appearances for the French club and could be seen as a suitable replacement for John Terry.
With Gary Cahill also in his 30’s it may be wise to bring in a fresh face to partner the ever developing Zouma.
The major issue is that with a variety of clubs in desperate need of defensive players, N’Koulou could be poached by other clubs who can offer him European football. Having already seen that Matip will join Liverpool next season, could we see yet another defensive star join the premier league?
Sofiane Feghouli
The Algerian will be one of the most highly sought after free transfers for next season. After becoming a first team player for Valencia in 2011, the right midfielder has shown all the qualities needed to become a key player for any premiership team.
Feghouli is also reaching his prime and his quick and direct play style could add something different in what is already a star studded midfield. With Willian becoming such a key player for Chelsea it may be difficult for Feghouli to get into the starting 11 to begin with. However if Feghouli can perform for Chelsea like he has done in previous years for Valencia, then he could become a brilliant player for Conte’s new Chelsea.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Every top club in Europe will be going for Zlatan this summer. Despite being 34 the Journeyman Striker has proved that he can perform anywhere. Except for England. With the Premier league being one of the few top leagues Zlatan hasn’t been to he may be eyeing a number of premier league clubs. Certainly a lot of premier league clubs will be eyeing him as well as adding a player of that quality to your squad is never a bad thing.
Now while Chelsea don’t exactly need Zlatan, the temptation of getting such a world class striker may be too much for Conte. Also with the possibility of Ibrahimovic joining a premier league rival, Chelsea may want to snap up the Swedish international so nobody else can have him.
It’s fair to say that Ibrahimovic doesn’t need selling, we all know how great he is and he would be a brilliant player for any top flight European team.
Gregory Van Der Wiel
The Dutch right-back currently applies his trade at PSG and has a vast amount of Champions League and International experience. Despite Ivanovic’s recent resurgence in form the defender has clearly passed him prime and Van Der Wiel would be a perfect replacement for the Serbian.
The defender has the ability and the attributes to be a huge player for the Premier League and at only 28 he still has at least 2/3 good seasons ahead of him. While Van Der Weil has stated that he would want to remain at PSG it looks like his contact is not being renewed. The Dutchman was fined in March for leaving the stadium at half time after an argument with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his relationship within the dressing room is cagey.
The biggest problem is that it is unlikely that Zlatan would join a team with Van Der Weil in and so you may risk losing the Swede to another premier league team. But in a world where top quality right-Backs are hard to come by Van Der Weil would be the perfect fit in next seasons Chelsea team.
