With Chelsea’s deal for Michy Batshuayi looking wrapped up, it seems that Chelsea’s spending is finally starting to get going this summer.

With his capture, it seems likely that Chelsea’s forward line is covered, with more than enough attacking talent to cover each of the four necessary spots in the first team.

Whilst Chelsea fans here in the Tavern are pleased with his acquisition, there is still a bit of fear in their ranks.

Whilst attacking cover was of course a priority this summer, a lack of news on defensive and midfield options, despite numerous rumours, has got fans here in the Transfer Tavern nervous!

Some huge midfield and defensive names have been linked with the club, but our landlord thinks it is time to separate fact from fiction.

Here are FIVE players that could follow Michy Batshuayi to Chelsea this summer……

Radja Nainggolan

The first in a trio of Chelsea midfield targets.

Rumours have been rampant in the tavern over Chelsea’s supposed interest in the Belgium midfielder; but these suggestions have since come to nothing.

After Chelsea looked close to finalizing the deal, there were murmers around the punters here that Roma were holding out for more cash, and now it seems that they wont take anything below £35-40 million.

Whilst at this moment Chelsea seem to have been priced out; there is no way that this saga is over.

Chelsea’s interest in the midfielder is definitely concrete, and he would definitely fit in the side. His aggressive approach play as a ball winning midfielder is exactly what Chelsea lacked last year.

Whilst the deal looks dead in the water right now; it would not surprise us if they came back in for one last bid and finally managed to get their man.

Axel Witsel

Whilst the club are keeping tabs on Nainggolan; The Daily Mail have been reporting that the club are looking at other targets, most notably Zenit’s Axel Witsel.

This isn’t the first time that the club have been interested in the player, with rumours in the tavern linking the player with the Blues a few times in the last few years.

Much like his Belgian compatriot Nainggolan, it is easy to see why the club are interested; his defensive prowess and transitional play could really transform the way that the Blues play.

Chelsea have seemingly been keen on Witsel for a number of years, and with a number of departures expected this summer; this one definitely has legs.

 

N’Golo Kante

A final midfield target comes in the familiar name of N’Golo Kante.

Of course Chelsea fans will know him as the defensive midfield stalwart that formed the spine of Leicester’s historic Premier League win last season.

Kante is perhaps the most attractive of the three, offering Premier League experience at the highest level. His price is also more appealing, given that rumours have linked him with a £20 million move.

Much like both of the other names listed, Chelsea’s interest in Kante is definitely concrete.

Whilst they may only capture one this summer if they hold on to Mikel and Matic, they may come back in for another target should they leave.

Leonardo Bonucci

A name that has been linked with the club since the announcement of the arrival of Antonio Conte, it is easy to see how this Italian stalwart would fit in at Stamford Bridge.

Offering no-nonsense defending and commitment, he could revolutionise Chelsea’s defence next season.

With a stellar year in Italy behind him, and another impressive international performance in this summer’s European Championship; Bonucci certainly has all the talent to succeed in London next season.

The main draw back for the defensive star will of course be his price tag, but with a number of sales expected this summer, combined with the introduction of the new TV deal; Chelsea definitely have the cash to burn.

 

Emanuel Mammana

An unknown quantity in England, Emanuel Mammana is an Argentine under-20 international, currently plying his trade with River Plate.

Antonio Conte has reportedly been tracking the young star for a number of years, and with Chelsea’s defence in definite need of reinforcements; he could be the man.

Leonardo Bonucci will of course be the clubs primary choice, but if they are priced out, they could look to Mammana as a potential long-term option, especially with John Terry signed on for another year.

You can never put it past Chelsea to pick up yet another young player.