With Antonio Conte now in charge, the Chelsea fans here in the Transfer Tavern are buzzing with excitement over who he might bring to Stamford Bridge.
Despite rumours linking the club with huge names, thus far none of these have come to fruition; with the club still yet to make any additions so far this summer.
Fans in the tavern remain optimistic however, with more and more names being linked with the club every single day.
It is important to separate the fact from fiction however, and with Chelsea’s opening game against West Ham fast approaching; who might legitimately be brought in by the club over the next few months?
Here are FIVE new signings that could star for Chelsea in the their opening Premier League game against West Ham…..
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE POTENTIAL NEW SIGNINGS!
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Leonardo Bonucci
When Conte was announced as Chelsea’s new manager, one of the first names that was linked to the club was Leonardo Bonucci.
Currently plying his trade with Juventus, Bonucci is a defensive stalwart that would provide the Blues with some much needed steel in their defense.
The Daily Star is reporting that the club have launched a £39.8 million pound bid for the defensive enforcer; which might just be enough to prize him away from the Serie A champions.
This move has been rumoured almost daily for getting on for two months now; so it definitely has some legs. This is our landlords pick for the first major Chelsea signing this summer.
Andre Gomes
More of a recent transfer target brought to our attention surrounds Valencia midfielder Andre Gomes.
Despite a rather disappointing season last year, notching up just four goals and seven assists, a number of European clubs seem interested in the Spaniard, with a number of bids reportedly imminent.
And if the Metro is to be believed, Chelsea have done just that, reportedly putting in a bid of £32 million for the playmaker.
Clearly the club have interest in the midfielder, and it could be just a matter of time before he ends up in SW6.
Gonzalo Higuain
Another player that has been the subject of constant rumours over the last month or two is Argentine superstar Gonzalo Higuain.
After a hugely impressive three year spell with Napoli, scoring 71 goals in 104 games, he has attracted the interest of a number of huge clubs across Europe.
One of these appears to be Chelsea, and with good reason. Diego Costa was a disappointment for the Blues last year, and looks likely to move this summer.
Chelsea will almost certainly be in the market for a striker this summer.
Romelu Lukaku
Another striking target that could very well be brought in in time for Chelsea’s decisive opener against West Ham is Romelu Lukaku.
Yes, it seems just two years after letting the striker leave the club; Chelsea want the heir-apparent to Didier Drogba back at the club.
It seems that the interest is there both ways; with ESPN reporting that Lukaku himself is very keen to make the switch back to Chelsea.
As we’re discussed already, Chelsea are definitely in the market for a striker, and the move for Lukaku would certainly offer less risk than Higuain; given how successful Lukaku has been in the Premier League with Everton.
If he does come, it will no doubt be for a record fee; meaning he will almost certainly lead the Chelsea line against West Ham.
John Stones
It seems that Chelsea have been interested in John Stones for years.
Sure enough, despite a firm ‘NO’ last summer; Chelsea are back in for the English defender.
This summer the move looks a bit more likely however; after a disappointing season last year, Everton run the risk of devaluing the defender if he struggles again next year.
All signs point towards this one happening this summer; and he would certainly get into that Chelsea side ahead of Gary Cahill or John Terry for the opening Premier League game against West Ham next season.
