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The summer transfer window is now officially open. With a whole host of big-name players from across the globe set to move clubs, we take a look at the latest news and rumours concerning Premier League clubs and players, as your favourite players get linked to some of the biggest clubs in the world.
Chelsea have had a mixed couple of seasons under Conte. A tremendous first season in charge saw the Blues coast to the title, and narrowly miss out on a League and FA Cup double at the hands of Arsenal.
The second season has more resembled the 2015-16 season than the previous one, with the Blues finishing fifth, out of the Champions League for the second time in three years. With the FA Cup being the only consolation prize, Conte is set to depart soon.
Irrespective of who is in charge, one thing is certain: the Blues need to spend smart and spend big if they harbour hopes of another unlikely resurgence. On that note and with players like Neymar, Lewandowski, and Griezmann being backed to make big-money moves, here are three players whom you could see coming to Chelsea this window.
#1 Robert Lewandowski
Chelsea are in pole position to sign the Polish striker, reports the Sun. The superstar has been unsettled at Bayern for a while now, and Chelsea could be the ones to benefit.
Chelsea are on the lookout for a new centre-forward, as Alvaro Morata continues to be linked with a move back to Juventus. Earlier in the week, agent Pini Zahavi made it clear to Los Blancos a deal would not be reached. Lewandowski is understood to be keen on leaving the Bundesliga champions in the summer after four successful seasons in Bavaria. The 29-year-old has banged in 40 goals in 47 games this season but is still being linked with a move away from the Allianz Arena.
Chelsea have spent a combined $117 million on Morata, Batshuayi and Giroud, but none have looked remotely close to being an upgrade on the enigmatic Diego Costa. With Lewandowski however, Chelsea would be getting a proven goal-scorer who is also excellent with his back to goal, and can effectively link-up play with Hazard and co. It remains to be seen, however, if Lewandowski is keen on a season without Champions League football, but if he were to move to London, goals will be guaranteed.
Extremely consistent and energetic, the Pole would lift a huge weight of Hazard's shoulders of being the only offensive outlet for the team, allowing the Belgian to play much more freely, either out wide or through the middle. Lewandowski has also been praised for his outstanding work-ethic, fitness, mentality, and discipline, both on the pitch and in training, by pundits, players and managers.
#2 Kalidou Koulibaly
Napoli will demand a world record fee for their in-demand centre-half Kalidou Koulibaly, reports the Sun, and Chelsea may be interested. The Senegal international played a key role in his side’s challenge for the Serie A title last season.
Napoli remain steadfast in their determination to keep hold of the 26-year-old, and will only sanction his departure if they receive a bid in the region of €120 million. Regardless of Antonio Conte’s future, Chelsea’s defence is in need of strengthening in the summer with David Luiz having been frozen out and Gary Cahill set to turn 33 in December.
With Chelsea conceding three goals on seven occasions this season, and with Conte expected to leave this summer following his battle with the Blues' hierarchy over a lack of input into transfer deals, whoever replaces the Italian could benefit greatly from the defender's arrival.
The Senegalese would be the perfect fit at the heart of the Blues' defence. Strong in the air and confident on the ball, Koulibaly has been a rock for Napoli this season, allowing very little to go past him. His stoppage-time winner against Juventus in Turin will bear testament to the fact that he is a genuine goal-threat from set-pieces, and his leadership cum communication skills could be vital to a Chelsea resurgence next term.
#3 Nabil Fekir
Chelsea have joined Liverpool in the £60 million race for Lyon star Nabil Fekir, according to reports by the Sun. The 24-year-old was thought to have agreed to join Juergen Klopp’s side this summer. Manager Bruno Genesio had dropped a huge hint that the clash would be Fekir's last for the Champions League hopefuls, telling Lyon's official website:
"We have to put aside everything related to emotion. For some, this may be the last game. It must give (those players) even more strength because you have to say: ‘(I will) leave by qualifying this team in the Champions League."
The winger has had a terrific season, scoring 23 goals and assisting 8 across all competitions and has been picked in Deschamps' World Cup squad, with the coach's words only fueling further speculation.
"Nabil is an incredible player. He impressed me technically," said Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane, in 2015.
Gifted with pace and quick feet, Fekir could start in an attacking trident alongside Hazard and Willian, potentially terrorising Premier League defences with quick interchange of play and goals galore! However, Chelsea are only believed to be outside contenders to sign the Frenchman, and may well have to look elsewhere for reinforcement.
