5 Players Chelsea need to sign to rebuild themselves for next season

Maurizio Sarri is a dead man walking at Stamford Bridge as a series of poor results have put his job at Stamford Bridge in danger. It was not only the defeat, but the humiliation suffered by the Blues which has angered the fans so much.

While Zinedine Zidane and former Chelsea hero Frank Lampard have been tipped to replace him next season. Whether Sarri remains Chelsea's manager next season or not, Chelsea are likely to go through a squad overhaul next season.

This season under Sarri has made the Chelsea board realise how poor their squad is when compared to other top teams in England. From Frank Lampard and Ashely Cole to Ross Barkley and Marcos Alonso, the dip in individual quality of players at Stamford Bridge is shocking.

Though new players are likely to come in, but Chelsea must make sure that this time their recruitment is good and players are of top-notch quality.

Thus here are five players Chelsea should target to rebuild themselves for next season-

#5 Mateo Kovacic (Real Madrid)

Though the Real Madrid midfielder is currently on loan at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have no option making this deal permanent. So far he has been impressive for the Blues, but he is yet to score a goal for them.

Kovacic is a versatile midfielder capable of playing anywhere in the midfield. The Croatian is an excellent dribbler and at the same time, he is capable of producing good defensive tackles as well.

Chelsea fans really like him and if reports are believed to be true then the former Inter Milan midfielder has already informed Real Madrid that he would like to make his loan move to Chelsea a permanent one.

Kovacic has won it all in his career with the Los Blancos, but he was never really a crucial first team player in Madrid, he was only a backup. At, Chelsea he could finally become a regular starter and get the appreciation that he deserves.

#4 Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli)

Kalidou Koulibaly could be tempted to leave Napoli in near future.

Kalidou Koulibaly is one of the best defenders in world football right now. The Senegalese international plays for Napoli in Serie A. His defensive exploits have made him a rock at the back for the Italian outfit as he continues to draw interest from top clubs across Europe.

He is 6'4 inches tall, strong, quick and he has a great ability on the ball as well. Due to his style of play, the Napoli fans call him The Wall. Since John Terry's departure, Chelsea don't have a player who has a commanding presence at the back and Kouibadly could just be the answer to that.

Chelsea have been linked many times with a move for the former Genk defender many times. But they will have to battle it out with Manchester United who have been linked with a move for him.

Though the Napoli defender has asserted that he happy to stay in Naples but the chance to challenge for titles every season with a team like Chelsea would surely tempt him. So, far it seems like Napoli are way behind challenging Juventus for Serie A and Koulibaly as a result of which would want to leave the San Paolo.

#3 Malcom (FC Barcelona)

Malcolm has a knack of scoring against big teams.

The Brazilian is one of the most promising youngster's in world football right now. He joined FC Barcelona this season, despite fewer chances he has managed to impress whenever he has been called upon.

A skilful wide man full of trickery, the former Bordeaux winger has a knack of scoring against big teams such as Inter Milan and Real Madrid. The amount of promise Malcolm has shown Chelsea should sign him and it will ensure Chelsea wings always terrorize their opponents for a long term given his ability.

Though Chelsea have not been linked with a move for him, rather it was FC Barcelona who wanted to offer him in a swap deal for Willian in January. Something they must have been regretting not going through with. Now, Liverpool have also joined the race for him.

Given the rise of Ousmane Dembélé and limited game time at Camp Nou, it would be better for Malcolm to move to Stamford Bridge to get more playing time.

#2 Isco (Real Madrid)

Isco has been hardly given any playing time this season.

Isco is undoubtedly one of the best-attacking midfielders in world football right now. At club level the Spaniard has won it all with Real Madrid. Not only won, he has also played a key part in the trophies won by the Los Blancos.

For a long time, Chelsea's midfield has demanded a creative attacking midfielder, Oscar was signed by the Blues to fulfil that role, but he clearly failed and now Isco could be the perfect player who can add the desired creative force that Chelsea are looking for.

He has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and his current situation at the Bernabeu makes Chelsea's case a lot stronger to bring him next season. If Chelsea are to sign him they will have face competition from the likes of Juventus and Manchester City.

Since his arrival at Real Madrid Isco had to always to force his way in the starting line up despite his evident quality. Now, having won everything with the Los Blancos the former Malaga man could look for a new challenge where he does not need to prove himself under every new manager.

#1 Mauro Icardi (Inter Milan)

The Argentinian hitman has been one of the most consistent strikers since his arrival at Inter Milan. In 210 appearances he has scored 122 goals for the Nerazzurri, and despite their struggles on the pitch he has remained loyal to them and has scored goals consistently.

Since Diego Costa's departure, the Blues have been looking for a striker who can score twenty plus goals for them every season. While Icardi has shown he capable of scoring regularly and there is no doubt that he cannot do the same in the Premier League.

His current contract expires in 2021 and despite Inter Milan constant efforts, signing a contract extension has been a problem for Icardi. He was recently stripped off captaincy and he was also not included in Inter's two games match squad. Also, Real Madrid have reportedly cooled their interest in him, making Chelsea the favourite to sign him.

The former Sampdoria striker has given his all for Nerazzurri, but despite his contant efforts the only thing that Inter have managed is to reach the group stage of Champions League and it looks like they are nowhere near to challenge Juventus for Serie A in coming seasons. Thus, it would be wise for a player of Icardi's quality to leave San Siro to win trophies.