The Chelsea fans here in the Transfer Tavern have been thoroughly distraught over the course of the current campaign and have already cast their attentions towards next season, when Italian Antonio Conte will attempt to rebuild the club.
It is thought that he will be given a war chest in the region of £130 million to try and revive the Blues, after what can only be described as a complete disaster of a season.
Several top class names have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, yet it will be interesting to see just who the club can attract without the temptation of Champions League, or ever Europa League, football.
One Chelsea fan is eagerly anticipating the summer when he hopes that Conte will sign some stellar players to ensure the club do not undergo a repeat of this season.
Our writer Lee Clarke takes a look at FIVE players the incoming boss should look to sign with any funds which he is given to spend……
[ffc-gallery]
PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!
[/ffc-gallery]
John Stones
It is inevitable that Stones will leave Everton this summer and Chelsea must be considered among the favourites, having nearly signed the defender last summer.
The ex-Barnsley man has come in for some criticism during the current campaign for his knack of over-playing the ball out from the back, although his defending ability is not in question whatsoever.
It is thought that Conte will want to strengthen at the back with John Terry set to depart in the summer and Stones would be a shrewd option, given his age and Premier League experience.
With Everton having their worst campaign in some time, the summer could see the central defender leave in quest for European football.
Gonzalo Higuain
The goal machine has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent years and hopefully this summer will see him finally make a move.
Chelsea will be in the market for a striker, with reports heavily linking Diego Costa with a move back to Spain and the Argentinean could be just the tonic for the new Chelsea boss.
Higuain’s record in front of goal speaks for itself and there is no question whatsoever that he would fire Chelsea back towards the top end of the league table.
Napoli would probably sell the striker should they receive a bid that matches their valuation, and Chelsea should certainly consider a move.
Fraser Forster
The Southampton goalkeeper made a remarkable recovery from a serious knee injury and in returning to the first-team picture, propelled the Saints up the Premier League with a string of fine performances.
With the utmost respect to Southampton, Forster is destined to play for one of the country’s top clubs and at 28-years-old he is at a good age for a stopper.
The England international has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in recent weeks and with current number one Thibaut Courtois considering his future, a move could be on the cards.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The Sweden international will become a free agent during the summer when his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expires.
The lanky striker will become one of Europe’s most wanted at the end of the season and his options will be endless when it comes to choosing his next club.
Chelsea will not have the pull of Champions League football to entice Ibrahimovic but they do have mammoth spending power, which will enable the Blues to pay him what he desires.
It would be a shame to see the charismatic striker retire without him ever gracing the Premier League and he would be a really solid addition to a Chelsea team in need of a lift.
N’Golo Kante
Whilst the likes of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez have taken the majority of plaudits for Leicester City’s superb march towards the Premier League title, defensive lynchpin Kante has quietly gone about his business.
Claudio Ranieri unearthed a real gem when he signed the Frenchman in the summer and it is highly unlikely that the Foxes will hang onto him for next season.
Arsenal have also expressed an interest as well as PSG so if Chelsea want to add the midfield dynamo they will need to act fast, in order to secure his services.
Kante would be a superb replacement for Nemanja Matic who looks very likely to leave Stamford Bridge during the summer.
