Ever since last summer, speculation linking John Stones with an exit from Everton to join Chelsea has been rife- and the Blues are expected to return with a fresh offer for the baby-faced England international this summer.
With Chelsea enduring a tough season, with huge question marks surrounding their defensive displays, the need to sign Stones has been well documented- particularly with the added aspect of John Terry leaving the club upon the expiration of his current deal.
For the Blues fans in the bar, signing only Stones this summer wouldn’t solve the issues and it’s pretty evident that’s the case. With a new manager incoming, a squad overhaul is likely to take place and the punters at the pool table have declared five signings they feel could join Stones at Stamford Bridge.
Hit Stones below to see FIVE players who could join him at Chelsea!
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Edinson Cavani
A new breath of air will sweep through Paris this summer, with Edinson Cavani poised for an exit along with superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Whilst a return to Italy has been touted, a move to the Premier League to join Chelsea is not out of the question.
Chelsea’s attackers have failed to find goals on a regular basis this season, with Diego Costa only sparking into life in the second-half of the campaign, whilst his supporting cast have been woeful. With Cavan’s addition, the Blues would boast stronger depth and a more formidable attacking line.
Emanuele Giaccherini
A surprise target for Chelsea this summer is that of Sunderland winger Emanuele Giaccherini, who has hardly caught the headlines during his time with struggling Sunderland. However, with Antonio Conte lined-up as the new manager, Giaccherini could be part of his Italian job.
With Eden Hazard widely linked with an exit and Pedro Rodriguez struggling, perhaps joining Hazard on the way out, Chelsea will need a restructure in their wide areas. Giaccherini may not have the attributes to replace Hazard and become a star but he’d certainly be a decent squad addition.
Giacomo Bonaventura
Continuing with the Italian theme, AC Milan midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura has also been touted with joining compatriot Conte at Stamford Bridge. The 26-year-old has been a revelation at the San Siro since joining from Atalanta two years ago and Chelsea, along with Manchester City and Liverpool, are vying for the Italian international’s signature this summer.
Links between Bonaventura and the west London giants first appeared four years ago, when the player, then 22, admitted his attraction towards the club. With Milan struggling to secure European football for next season, the player may elect for a new venture next term.
Leonardo Bonucci
With John Terry set to leave upon the expiration of his contract, Antonio Conte is eying experienced Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci as a replacement. Reportedly near the top of Conte’s wish-list, the pair have a strong working relationship as Conte has managed Bonucci at both Juventus and with the Italian national team.
Prizing the defender from Juventus’ clutches could prove to be a difficult task but after numerous years of success for the Turin giants, without too much of a threat domestically, Bonucci could push for an exit and a new challenge.
Antoine Griezmann
The dream signing for Chelsea this summer is that of Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, who has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge since his days at Real Sociedad. With Chelsea having a strong relationship with Atletico, a move is definitely a possibility.
However, Atletico are desperate not to sell and the player himself has ruled-out an exit this summer. Whether that would change with a lucrative offer remains to be seen but the French international is also unlikely to give up Champions League football.
