Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern have been full of beans today after reports suggested that their managerial search is drawing to a close, which has sparked plenty of debates throughout the bar.
It’s reported that Chelsea are set to agree a deal to put Antonio Conte in charge of the West London giants from this summer and our strong contingent of Blues supporters are delighted, feeling that the former Juventus boss has the perfect credentials to lead Chelsea to success.
There’s numerous problems awaiting Conte at Stamford Bridge though, with the most significant of which being a required massive overhaul- as Chelsea are at risk of losing some key players, whilst they must also improve their ranks too.
With Roman Abramovich ready to throw a wealth of funds into the transfer market, our punters are excited by the potential arrivals Conte could bring with him to West London and they’ve identified five key players they believe could genuinely be signed this summer.
Our landlord has given his nod of approval to the list, believing Chelsea are in a strong position to bring all of these and more to Stamford Bridge.
Hit Conte below to see FIVE players he could bring with him to Chelsea!
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Paul Pogba
The Juventus midfielder is rated as one of the best players in the world and he’s been constantly linked with a move back to the Premier League, where he failed to be handed his chance during the start of his successful career at Manchester United.
A wealth of clubs are linked with his signature but Pogba could be keen to follow Conte to the Premier League and work with a manager that he already has experience with, given Conte’s years of success working with the French international in Turin.
His price-tag could end up setting numerous transfer records but it would certainly be money well spent and would be a massive coup for the Blues.
John Stones
Chelsea failed to get their man last summer and Everton defender John Stones has continued to attract vast interest this season. However, his demands for first-team assurances could propel Chelsea to the front of the queue.
With John Terry leaving and Gary Cahill potentially following suit, Stones could immediately fit into the Chelsea defence and lead the back-line for years to come. Whilst the lack of Champions League football may be problematic, Chelsea will have been boosted by Everton’s relatively poor campaign.
Paulo Dybala
Another Juventus player impressing in Italy is young Argentine forward Paulo Dybala, who is linked with a move to Europe’s top clubs this season- and Chelsea are just one of many linked with the player’s signature.
Whilst Dybala arrived at Juventus after Conte’s reign in charge finished, he will have heard good things about the Italian boss from his current team-mates and may choose to follow him to the Premier League if he decides to leave Juventus.
With Chelsea looking for a striker to lead their lines for years to come, Dybala would be the perfect fit.
Edinson Cavani
Like Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain are expected to make wholesale changes to their squad this summer and oust many ageing stars from their squad. One of those likely to be on his way out is Edinson Cavani, who’s being heavily linked with a move to English football.
Chelsea are long-term suitors of the Uruguayan forward and their need for an established goalscorer is becoming increasingly apparent. After years being ousted on the wings in Paris, to accommodate Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Cavani will be keen to have his chance through the middle.
The Blues can offer him that opportunity and Cavani would snatch it with both hands.
Antoine Griezmann
The French international has been linked with a move to Chelsea ever since his days at Real Sociedad and the Blues maintain their interest heading into this summer. Whilst persuading the forward to give up Champions League football will be difficult, Griezmann may be tempted by the financial benefits of the Premier League.
Whilst many sides would be attracted to Griezmann if his signature became available, Chelsea have a lead in the chase due to their close ties with Atletico Madrid. The Spanish side’s interest in bring Diego Costa back to the Vicente Calderon could be decisive.
With Chelsea and Atletico having completed deals for Costa, Thibaut Courtois, Felipe Luis and many others throughout recent years, it’s not difficult to seal another deal for Griezmann being approved this summer.
