Chelsea head in to tomorrow’s London derby with QPR, knowing three points will all but confirm a fourth Premier League title – despite Jose Mourinho’s claims that the race is still on.
His side currently sit seven points clear of second placed Arsenal with a game in hand, and have not looked like relinquishing top spot since the opening weeks of the season.
The manner in which Chelsea appear to be stumbling towards Premier League glory has become a small concern for some supporters, who have noted their side has not looked like their usual dominant self since that Champions League exit at the hands of Paris St Germain last month.
Despite the fact Chelsea look to end the season with a comfortably won Premier League title to go alongside a Capital One Cup won last month, Mourinho and the ever-demanding Roman Abramovich will feel there is room for improvement next term.
Here we have identified a possible XI of reported transfer targets for the Blues.
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Click on Jose Mourinho to reveal the transfer XI Chelsea could have this summer
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Brad Friedel
The American goalkeeper may be as old as time itself, but Jose Mourinho still feels he can squeeze one more year out of him according to reports.
With Petr Cech set to bring his Chelsea career to a close in the summer, Mourinho is chasing a reliable number two, and they don’t come more reliable than Friedel.
He has slipped down to third choice at Tottenham, and would be willing to end his career at a side challenging on all fronts – even if it was as an understudy.
John Stones
It has not been a vintage season for Everton by any stretch, but John Stones has been one bright light when he has been able to stay fit.
Many predict Stones is future England material – which has of course seen Chelsea linked.
Given Everton’s struggles this term and their financial situation – the club are still recovering from giving Chelsea £28million for Romelu Lukaku – the summer may be the ideal time to pounce and land Stones, a versatile defender capable of playing at either right back or centre back.
Raphael Varane
Mourinho has been a long term admirer of the young French defender, since giving him his breakthrough whilst at charge of Real Madrid.
Varane has struggled to dislodge the first choice partnership of Pepe and Sergio Ramos on a consistent basis this term, and has been linked with a move to the Premier League.
Mourinho once described him as the best young defender in world football, and would see him as the ideal long term replacement for John Terry, perhaps lining up alongside fellow countryman Kurt Zouma in the future.
Dante
It hasn’t been a vintage season for Gary Cahill, and with Terry having signed a new deal and Kurt Zouma progressing all the time, he may find himself dropped to third choice next season.
Whether that would appeal to the former Bolton man is another matter, given he is still trying to hold onto his place as England’s first choice centre back.
Bayern Munich’s Brazilian centre back Dante would be the ideal short term replacement. The 31-year-old has struggled for first team football at the Allianz Arena this season, and has been linked with a move to Chelsea in the past. A move would all depend on what Mourinho decides to do with Cahill however.
Fabio Coentrao
The Blues are well stocked in the left back department, however there have been whispers that Felipe Luis is looking for a move this summer having failed to hold down a regular first team place this season.
Portuguese international Fabio Coentrao is another player Mourinho knows well from his spell at the Bernabeu, and is someone who is practically begging for a move to the Premier League.
He is another who has been linked with Chelsea in the past, and would be considered a suitable back up to first choice Cesar Azpilicueta.
Ross Barkley
Like Stones mentioned previously, Barkley has been a part of the Everton side that has struggled all season, and may be looked at as a way to earn the club some much needed money in the summer.
The attacking midfielder has had a quiet season, whilst fitness has also proved an issue. Chelsea were linked with a £50million move last summer, and whilst Everton insisted at the time he was going nowhere, the situation has changed somewhat since.
Still considered to be one of the most exciting young talents in the country, Chelsea would be willing to pay big money to land him, despite the fact he has had a disappointing season.
Paul Pogba
The tussle for the French superstar looks to develop into the transfer saga of the summer.
Manchester United, Real Madrid, Manchester City and of course Chelsea all look set to battle it out for the £70million rated midfielder.
There were rumours last summer that Mourinho held talks with Pogba in London over a possible transfer. Whilst a move didn’t materialise then, Chelsea fans can dream this summer of a midfield partnership that would see Pogba line up alongside Nemanja Matic.
Jordan Henderson
Liverpool’s captain in waiting is reported to have turned down a new contract offer worth £80,000 a week, which is said to have caught the attention of Chelsea.
Mourinho is keen to add some more British talent to his squad, and Henderson is considered to be one of the most improved English players of the last two years.
He has managed seven goals and 11 assists for Liverpool this season, and with just one year remaining on his current deal at Anfield, Chelsea may fancy their chances of tempting him to west London if the stand off continues.
Koke
The new golden boy of Spanish football, Koke was instrumental last season as Atletico won a shock La Liga title, and were just seconds way from claiming the Champions League in the same season.
Oscar’s performances during the second half of the last two seasons have become a cause for concern, and Koke would be the ideal man to replace him in that number 10 position.
Atletico’s record of hanging onto their best players is not particularly impressive, and Chelsea have been heavily linked with a move for the 23-year-old for some time.
Theo Walcott
The Arsenal forward has lost is regular first team place, and has been unable to agree terms over a new deal at the Emirates.
Didier Drogba looks to be nearing the end of his career, whilst Loic Remy has struggled to remain fit for the whole season.
Walcott would be a decent option to support Diego Costa for that central strikers role, whilst his ability to play on either side in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation makes him an attractive option for Mourinho.
Gareth Bale
Chelsea fans will be hoping for one massive signing at least this summer, and they wouldn’t come much bigger than Gareth Bale.
The most expensive player in world football has endured a tough season at the Bernabeu, often being booed by his own supporters.
He has been linked with return to the Premier League this summer, and Chelsea are one of the few clubs who could afford him.
Should Real Madrid indicate they are willing to sell, expect Chelsea to battle Manchester United all the way for his signature.
