Chelsea are expected to be busy as ever during the summer transfer window, with Jose Mourinho reportedly chasing a world class winger as a priority signing.
The Blues have struggled to find someone capable of offering genuine competition to both Eden Hazard and Willian in the wide areas, with Andre Schurrle and Mohamed Salah shown the exit door last January, and Juan Cuadrado looking a flop following his arrival from Fiorentina during the same window.
Reports suggest Mourinho has set his sights on Atletico Madrid wideman Antoine Griezmann.
The France international has enjoyed a fine 12 months at the Vicente Calderon, having only signed from Real Sociedad last summer.
Chelsea are no strangers when it comes to raiding Atletico Madrid, but should Diego Simeone put a block on their attempts to sign another of his star men, we have identified five players Mourinho should look towards instead.
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Click on Jose Mourinho to reveal five players Chelsea should sign instead of Antoine Griezmann
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Raheem Sterling
The Liverpool starlet is set to be one of the most in demand players in Europe over the summer transfer window, and Chelsea will no doubt be amongst the front runners for his signature.
Still only 20 years of age, Mourinho will consider himself to be the man to bring the best out of the England international for years to come.
Manchester City are set to open the bidding with an offer of £30million – a figure Chelsea would have no trouble bettering if necessary.
Pedro
The Spanish international appears to have lost his battle for a regular first team place at the Nou Camp – understandable when Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi make up the first choice front three.
Pedro is set to seal a transfer this summer, and Chelsea have been previously linked with the forward.
Capable of playing on either flank or in that coveted number 10 role, the 27-year-old would be a useful addition to the Chelsea squad.
Alexandre Lacazette
The 23-year-old is ‘better than Gareth Bale’ according to Lyon’s president, and whilst that may not be the case, his goal record over the past year goes some way to providing an argument.
The France international managed 31 goals in 33 appearances in all competitions, a record that has caught the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs.
Capable of playing out wide or through the centre, Lacazette would provide plenty of pace and another genuine top class goal threat to a Chelsea side who already look almost faultless.
Gareth Bale
Chelsea will be aware they may never get a better opportunity to land the Welsh star than this summer.
Bale has endured a tough season at Real Madrid, managing just 13 goals in all competitions, and often being the brunt of many supporters frustrations.
Reports continue to link the former Tottenham man with a return to English football, and the Blues are one of the few clubs capable of affording him.
Marco Reus
The German was a top transfer target for Chelsea 12 months ago, and plenty has happened during the time since.
Reus only recently signed a new contract at the Westfalenstadion, but the departure of Jurgen Klopp as well as the fact Dortmund endured a tough season that saw them finish seventh in the Bundesliga whilst also missing out on any silverware, may yet persuade Reus to change his mind and attempt to force through a transfer.
Of all the Premier League clubs interested in him, it is Chelsea who appear to hold the upper hand in the race to sign the talented German international.
