Chelsea are set for wholesale changes this summer, there’s no doubt about it, and with Antonio Conte putting his own imprint into the side, expect a flurry of stars from Serie A and a number of Italian internationals.
That’s why when Kostas Manolas was linked to Chelsea this week nobody was particularly surprised, especially with it clear to everyone that the Blues need a major reinforcements in defence and someone to step-up and take the mantle with John Terry set to leave.
Whilst the fans believe Manolas would be a decent addition to the squad and starting line-up at Stamford Bridge, it’s not the sort of signing that gets them really excited so they’ve taken the opportunity to discuss who else could be added to the squad.
There’s certainly a long list of names linked with Chelsea so we thought we’d narrow it down for you. You’re welcome.
Hit Manolas below to see FIVE players who could follow him to Chelsea!
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Gonzalo Higuain
Gonzalo Higuain is a name that’s been thrown about as a potential candidate for a Premier League move for a while but with Napoli failing to crack the nut on the European stage, the Argentine could finally be on his way to England this summer.
Napoli are indeed fighting for the Serie A title this term but the chances of them dominating Italian football, and becoming a force in Europe, are very slim. Whilst Chelsea also have more work to do, they do have better prospects than the Naples side.
Higuain isn’t quite the household name he once was but he’s been banging in the goals in Italy, so he’s definitely a quality signing, although albeit not perhaps as exciting as other names on the market.
Edinson Cavani
Sticking with the striker theme, another name constantly touted with a move to England is Edinson Cavani and this move definitely seems like it’s set to go ahead, as the Uruguayan will depart Paris Saint-Germain this summer amid a major reshuffle in the French capital.
Having spent years playing second-fiddle to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, pushed out wide to accommodate the Swedish superstar, Cavani would jump at the chance to become the leading striker at a big club- and Chelsea’s lack of Champions League football may not be a ground breaker.
Chelsea’s biggest threat in the race for Cavani would come from Italy, where he previously played with Napoli.
Leonardo Bonucci
The experienced Juventus defender is touted as the leading candidate to provide experience to Chelsea’s back lines amid John Terry’s exit. The Italian international has a close relationship with Antonio Conte, which could be decisive.
28-years-old, Bonucci would provide the experience Chelsea need without the Blues having to worry about bringing in a new player next year. The Italian could offer his services for a number of years and with Italian football trailing behind their rivals on the continent, Bonucci may be keen on a new challenge.
Arturo Vidal
It’s perhaps unrealistic to think that Arturo Vidal could leave Bayern Munich after just one season, for a side without Champions League football, but it’s all change in Bavaria this summer with Carlo Ancelotti coming in to replace Pep Guardiola.
Vidal may find himself outside of Ancelotti’s plans and the Chilean has a close relationship with Conte, having played under the Italian for years with Juventus. He’s another player who’s been heavily linked with a Premier League move, though he’d certainly be the most difficult player on this list to capture.
Radja Nainggolan
Another Serie A touted with a move to the Premier League, Radja Nainggolan could follow his current team-mate Kostas Manolas to Stamford Bridge. With Roma sat third, they are on-course for Champions League football but only via a play-off.
Should they lose that game, Nainggolan could move to Chelsea as the lack of European football wouldn’t be that decisive. Either way, Chelsea are undoubtably bigger than Roma and Nainggolan could jump at the chance to join the Conte revolution.
