A 10th placed finish this season for Chelsea means there will be no European football at Stamford Bridge next season, and our Blues fans here in the Transfer Tavern are pretty downbeat!
After a turbulent season in west London which saw the departure of Jose Mourinho early in the campaign, the club now have a summer to regroup and can look forward to the arrival of new manager Antonio Conte after the European Championships in France.
Conte is certain to attract a number of high profile players – with the former Juve boss having a solid reputation as one of the best managers in Europe – however may find it difficult to hold on to those already at the club.
Despite no European football meaning Chelsea can focus solely on the league and domestic competitions, the big stars at the Bridge will be craving the Champions League and hence may opt for pastures new this transfer window.
Our landlord thinks these THREE are almost a dead a cert to leave the Blues this summer……. Do you agree?
[ffc-gallery]
PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE THREE PLAYERS!
[/ffc-gallery]
Nemanja Matic
It was a poor season for the Serbian at Stamford Bridge, which was disappointing following his fine title winning campaign the previous season, which saw him named in the PFA Team of the Year.
With Chelsea chasing Roma defensive midfielder Radja Nainggolan, it seems there is no room for Matic in London anymore, so the 27-year-old looks set for his second move away from the Bridge – having left for Benfica from the Blues back in 2011.
Oscar
Continually linked with a move away over the past few years, the once fan favourite at the Bridge has fallen out of favour of the past season.
Not preferred by either Mourinho nor Hiddink, the Brazilian appears frustrated at his lack of game time, and has struggled when given the opportunity.
Oscar has always showed his best form in Europe, so a switch to the continent seems inevitable, with Juventus favourite for his signature.
Diego Costa
What a shame it would be if Costa were to leave Chelsea this summer, however a move looks increasingly likely.
Atletico manager Diego Simeone has made Costa his top transfer priority, and it is understood the fiery forward would also favour a move back to the Spanish capital.
According to our landlord here in the Tavern, Antonio Conte is keen on bringing Gonzalo Higuain to the Bridge from Napoli, and if the deal goes through, Costa will surely move in the opposite direction!
