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One of the biggest clubs in the world, Chelsea have been consistently winning trophies under the ownership of Roman Abramovich.
Abramovich is not afraid of spending money and has time and again proven the same. Chelsea have made some high-profile signings over the years, albeit with decidedly mixed results. Even managers are consistently changed, with job security not one of Chelsea's strong suits.
Nevertheless, Chelsea seem to thrive in the chaos. They won the Champions League last season under Thomas Tuchel, who was appointed midway through the season. The Blues spent heavily last summer and look likely to spend more this time around.
On that note, here's a look at the five best Chelsea signings in the last decade.
#5 Diego Costa
Diego Costa's time with Chelsea may have been short, but the striker made a telling impact at the club.
Costa's wonderful 2013-14 season with Atletico Madrid saw Chelsea pay £34 million in 2014 to acquire the striker's services. The Spain international hit the ground running in the Premier League, scoring 20 goals in his debut season as Jose Mourinho's men won the league title.
The attacker was at his snarling, aggressive best at Chelsea, with his mercurial behaviour often leading to confrontations with opposition players. After a subdued 2015-16 campaign, Costa was once again Chelsea's main man, winning the league once again, this time under Antonio Conte.
The 32-year-old made 120 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, scoring 58 goals and providing 24 assists. He departed Stamford Bridge under controversial circumstances, though, rejoining Atletico Madrid in January 2018. Costa is currently a free agent.
#4 Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa arrived at Chelsea in the same summer transfer window.
Fabregas was well known to Premier League fans, having made his name at Arsenal before joining Barcelona in 2011. However, Fabregas endured a mixed spell in Spain before Chelsea signed him in 2014 for nearly £30 million.
It was rumoured that Arsenal had turned down the opportunity to re-sign Fabregas.
The midfielder shone for the Blues. Fabregas, a highly creative, attack-minded player, has technical qualities and wonderful playmaking ability, which was on full display during his time at Chelsea. The Spain international made 198 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 22 goals and providing 57 assists.
Fabregas won two Premier League titles with Chelsea before leaving the club in 2019 for AS Monaco. The 34-year-old was one of the best midfielders in the world during his prime and has shown glimpses of his quality in France as well.
Also Read: Fabrizio Romano's Transfer Roundup: Update on Manchester United's transfer plans, Barca's plan for Antoine Griezmann, and more.
#3 Cesar Azpilicueta
While Chelsea's ex-player Cesc Fabregas is gifted with supreme ability, Cesar Azpilicueta became renowned for his determination, hard work and sheer grit.
A product of the Osasuna academy, Azpilicueta spent some time with Marseille in Ligue 1 before joining Chelsea in 2012 for nearly £8 million. A right-back during his Osasuna and Marseille days, Azpilicueta soon became a key part of the Chelsea first XI.
The Spain international has been utilised in a variety of positions at Chelsea. Azpilicueta has operated as a right-back, left-back and as a centre-back in a three-man defence. He is an extremely dependable player who rarely sets a foot wrong on the field.
The 31-year-old, who has made 429 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, is now the club captain. Azpilicueta is a modern-day Chelsea legend.
#2 Eden Hazard
One of the greatest Chelsea players of all time, Eden Hazard made a lasting impact at the club.
A highly-rated talent during his Lille days, Hazard was coveted by some of the biggest clubs in the world before he decided to join Chelsea in 2012 for £31.5 million. The Belgium international became one of the best players in the world during his Chelsea spell, with his world-class dribbling, creativity and goalscoring abilities all standing out.
Hazard made 352 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, scoring 110 goals and providing 92 assists. He won the Premier League twice and the Europa League as many times with the club. Hazard played starring roles for Chelsea in six of his seven seasons at the club.
The 30-year-old moved to Real Madrid in 2019 for £103.5 million but has struggled in Spain due to injury issues. Hazard has been linked with a return to Chelsea, although the move is unlikely to occur.
#1 N'Golo Kante
One of the best midfielders in world football, N'Golo Kante is arguably Chelsea's best signing of the century.
He was one of Leicester City's key players during their fairytale Premier League triumph in 2016, before Chelsea snapped him up for £32 million. The French midfielder won another Premier League title in his first season with Chelsea and has not looked back since then.
Renowned for his stamina, defensive prowess and discipline, Kante is Chelsea's engine. His performances last season in the Champions League once again highlighted his qualities, and there have been shouts for him to win the Ballon d'Or award this year.
The 30-year-old has been crucial for his country as well. With France, Kante won the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and was widely regarded as one of their best players at the tournament.
Also Read: 5 midfielders who could win the Ballon d'Or award in the future.
