After a disastrous 2015/16 season, Chelsea fans here at the Transfer Tavern are hopeful about what might be coming this summer.
The 2015/16 season was undoubtedly a forgetful one for most Chelsea fans.
Largely unsuccessful in cup competitions, whilst floundering to a 10th place finish in the Premier League, some key changes are needed in order to reassert the blues as the best team in England.
One of those key changes has already happened, with the appointment of Antonio Conte as the full time managerial successor to Guus Hiddink at the Bridge.
Whilst many of his transfer dealings will likely be delayed until after Euro 2016, he has already drawn up a number of targets for his new look Chelsea side.
Whilst many expect him to raid the Italian leagues and his old club Juventus, he may cast his eyes over to Spain.
Our landlord reckons that some of Chelsea’s most important deals might come out of Spain this summer, including some key names, and maybe even some surprises – he’s selected FIVE La Liga stars Chelsea must seriously consider signing this summer….
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE LA LIGA STARS!
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Antoine Griezmann
Atletico Madrid strikers have been the target of Chelsea for years. First it was Aguero, then it was Falcao, and now it appears to be Antoine Griezmann.
The French international has been on fire this season, scoring 30 times in 53 matches for Athletico Madrid, catching the eye of many throughout Europe, and culminating in a spot in the French Euro 2016 squad this summer.
Chelsea could willing to make the striker one of their highest paid players if he makes the switch to London.
We expect this one to drag on until the end of the summer, so be sure to keep updated with how it progresses.
Raphael Varane
Another rumour that seemingly has been around for years is that which surrounds Raphael Varane.
The young French international solidified his position in the Real Madrid first team under Jose Mourinho, and he has only gotten better.
He has suffered with frequent reoccurring injuries since then, but there is no doubting his quality or his potential.
The Metro reported back in February that Chelsea had reignited their interest, and now with Conte reportedly interested in strengthening his back line; Varane would be the perfect fit.
Chelsea of course have French compatriot Kurt Zouma, whom is currently out injured, and this may help to entice Varane across to London.
An international centre back pairing of Kurt Zouma and Raphael Varane at the Bridge could lead Chelsea into a second decade of dominance.
Much like Greizmann, this one will likely go down to the last few days if it does happen.
Borja Mayoral
Chelsea are reportedly interested in younger talent to expand their ever growing loan army. This interest comes in the form of Borja Mayoral, a member of Real Madrid’s youth team.
The young striker has drawn comparisons to Raul, with TalkSport suggesting that Chelsea have an interest in the striker, alongside Juventus and Arsenal.
He has however recently signed a new deal with Real Madrid, keeping him at the club until 2021, so it is unlikely that the club will be willing to let him go.
You can never doubt Chelsea’s ability to pick up a young player for a loan move though!
Aymen Abdennour
The Daily Star are reporting a bit more of an unusual target for Chelsea this summer, and it comes in the form of Valencia defender Aymen Abdennour.
The Turkish international joined the club from Monaco last summer for £16 million, and largely has failed to make much of an impact.
As a result of this however, the Daily Star report that Conte is interested in the defender as a back-up, given doubts around the future of John Terry and Gary Cahill, and he would likely be obtainable for a cut price fee.
Given the low fee of the player and the ability that he had shown prior to his Spanish move, this one could certainly happen, especially given the defensive frailties that Chelsea suffered last season.
Charly Musonda
Okay, so this one isn’t technically a new signing, but this may end up being one of the most interesting transfer sagas of the summer for Chelsea.
Anyone who has kept up with the Chelsea youth team over the past few seasons will know how good Charly Musonda is, and he has continued to highlight his ability on loan in Spain at Real Betis.
Musonda, who describes his favourite La Liga player as himself, is not short on confidence, and feels that he wants to kick on and develop as a player; whether that means staying on loan, returning to Chelsea, or being sold.
At present, it looks as though he will stay on loan at Real Betis for another year as per The Daily Star, but it would not be a surprise to see him back at the Bridge. Equally, it would not be a surprise to see him leave, as he suggested in an interview with AS that he would be interested in a move to Barcelona.
Conte is under huge pressure to bring through young talent at the club, and Musonda is one of the best chances of this happening – so there is definitely a chance that he might be back at Chelsea next season.
