Chelsea's No.1 priority this summer is signing a third striker to fill the void left by departed legend Didier Drogba and provide quality cover for Diego Costa and Loic Remy, who both displayed muscular fragilities last season.
Radamel Falcao has significant long-standing injury problems of his own, having looked a shadow of his predatory former self throughout a dispiriting season on loan at Manchester United.
But Mourinho believes he can re-ignite Falcao and the fact that manager and player share the same super-agent in Jorge Mendes should make negotiations easier - provided the Colombian accepts he will not be earning the superstar money he has enjoyed in Monaco and Manchester during the past two years.
If Falcao does prove too pricey a proposition, the likeliest alternative is Aston Villa star Christian Benteke. The powerful Belgian's resurgence under Tim Sherwood has re-established him as a viable option for the Premier League's biggest clubs and Liverpool have also been widely linked, though Chelsea would be confident of seeing off the Merseysiders in any battle for his signature.
Mourinho also wants a midfielder and a defender to bolster his options in all areas of the pitch. The dream signing would of course be Juventus' boy wonder Paul Pogba, but the sensational Frenchman will have his pick of Europe's top clubs this summer and a big-money move to Real Madrid or Barcelona appears a more likely outcome should he leave Turin.
Elsewhere in Spain, Atletico Madrid are bracing themselves for another Chelsea raid. Antoine Griezmann has enjoyed a brilliant debut season at the Vicente Calderon and his £43.5 million buyout clause is well within the reach of the Premier League champions should Mourinho decide he needs another a versatile and high-calibre attacking option.
Toby Alderweireld's positional flexibility is also highly regarded at Stamford Bridge. The Belgian has already proved himself in the Premier League at the heart of a formidable Southampton defence and looks infinitely more attainable this summer than Real Madrid starlet Raphael Varane, despite Mourinho's avowed admiration.
Finally, a new back-up goalkeeper will be required if, as expected, Petr Cech departs. The emphasis is on a cheap but experienced operator, with QPR's Rob Green and Getafe's Vicente Guaita both mooted.
| PLAYERS WHO COULD LEAVE |
Cech is not prepared to spend another season as the world's best No.2 goalkeeper and, as revealed by Goal last week, is ready to ask for a move to London rivals Arsenal.
Mourinho has already made it clear that such a scenario would be against his wishes but Cech's family are settled in the capital and after 11 years of exemplary service, the suggestion is that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will allow the departing club legend the privilege of picking his next move.
Atletico Madrid are hopeful of re-signing Filipe Luis after an indifferent season at Stamford Bridge that saw him make just 26 appearances in all competitions and fail to unseat Cesar Azpilicueta at left-back, but the Brazilian has publicly insisted that he is happy to stay and fight for his place again next term.
Didier Drogba has already departed in search of one last run of first-team football before he hangs up his boots, though a Marca report of Diego Costa's apparent desire to return to Atletico was swiftly shot down by Mourinho. Juan Cuadrado will also be given a full season to impress despite an underwhelming start to his Chelsea career.
Fundamentally, Mourinho knows he has a squad of champions and wants as little upheaval as possible this summer, whether incomings or outgoings. Continuity is key.
| THE MANAGER |
Mourinho is the first Chelsea manager to be granted a third season by Abramovich since, well, Mourinho. Both sides have made all the right noises about forging a long-term relationship this time around and while a long-term contract extension first reported in May remains unsigned, there is little doubt that it will get done.
Unlike his first spell, Mourinho is working within the political structures of Stamford Bridge rather than fighting against them, and bringing the Premier League trophy back to west London has re-assured everyone involved that the current arrangement is leading things in the right direction.
Only time will tell if football's ultimate short-term manager can go on to build a lasting dynasty at one of football's most short-term clubs, but Mourinho will not be leaving Chelsea anytime soon.
| HOW THEY COULD LINE UP |
Few would expect Mourinho to deviate much from the fluid but disciplined 4-2-3-1 that saw off all challengers in the Premier League last season but if Chelsea manage to secure three marquee targets this summer, the Special One may be able to make his starting XI even more intimidating.
With Falcao providing support for Costa from the bench, Griezmann would provide a much greater attacking threat on the right flank than the tireless but limited Willian, while having Pogba alongside Nemanja Matic at the base of midfield would allow Cesc Fabregas even greater freedom to do what he does best when working between the opposition lines.
It's hard to improve what was the best defence in the Premier League last season but if Varane could be prised away from Real Madrid, his pace and covering instincts would make him the ideal foil for Terry.
No comments:
Post a Comment