Chelsea's summer shopping list

05 June 2014 14:15

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho faces an important summer as he looks to bolster his squad after finishing third in last season’s Premier League. The Portuguese tactician has indicated he wants to improve his side’s strike force with Demba Ba, Fernando Torres and Samuel Eto’o mis-firing throughout the season.

Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa has passed his medical at Stamford Bridge after a £32m fee was agreed for the Spaniard. Costa will provide a world-class option to spearhead the Blues’ attack and provide firepower in the race for next season’s title.

Who else could boost the club’s chances of success in the upcoming transfer window?

FELIPE LUIS – ATLETICO MADRID – BRAZIL

Diego Costa’s team-mate Felipe Luis has been targeted by Mourinho as he looks to replace long serving left back Ashley Cole, who has confirmed his departure from the club. The Brazilian is the ideal target and represented Atletico as his club knocked Chelsea out of the Champions League.

Luis reportedly has a £19.5m buy-out clause which Chelsea will have no problems meeting such a fee. The Blues have a good relationship with the Spanish club after loaning Belgian keeper Thibaut Cortoius to Spain in recent seasons.

The Brazil international has recently stated his intentions to see out the remaining three years on his contract but Chelsea are set to double his wages in order to persuade the defender to make the switch to England.

Luis is considered one of the world’s best full backs but was overlooked in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s World Cup squad.

RAPHAEL VARANE – REAL MADRID – FRANCE

Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane was described by Mourinho as the ‘best young defender in the world’ and Mourinho could be on the lookout for a new defender following David Luiz’s £50m move to French champions Paris St. Germain.

The 21 year old has insisted he is taking no notice of these comments but Chelsea are reportedly ready to explore the possibility of luring Madrid’s defender to Stamford Bridge. Varane played regularly under Mourinho at the Bernabeu and could be tempted to re-unite with his former manager.

The former Lens defender has massive potential and will travel to Rio de Janiero with France after being included in the 23 man squad for the upcoming World Cup. Varane is Chelsea’s number one replacement for Luiz whilst Manchester City target Eliaquim Mangala remains another option.

KOKE – ATLETICO MADRID – SPAIN

Numerous midfielders are also on Chelsea’s radar as they look to replace legendary midfielder Frank Lampard who looks set to move to the MLS. Interest in Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas has been rumoured as well as reports that Mourinho is interested in Tottenham’s Paulinho.

Juventus maestro Paul Pogba has also been targeted but now Chelsea are locked in a battle with Catalan giants Barcelona for another Atletico player in Koke. The Spaniard has impressed for the league winners and both clubs have been keeping tabs on the midfielder.

The 22 year old has been outstanding in Diego Simeone’s 4-4-2 system operating as winger or his preferred central role. In the latter stages of the season, Chelsea struggled to break down smaller teams and were crying out for creativity which they lost with the sale of Juan Mata. Koke created 67 chances for his team-mates; a stat only Eden Hazard can better at Chelsea.

Koke would be the perfect signing for next season’s title charge.

By Marcus Banks

Follow me on Twitter - @MarcusBanks7

Source: DSG