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This is the time when football enthusiasts keep a close eye on the 'ins and outs' list of their favorite teams, as clubs flex their financial muscles to lure the player of their choice into their squad. However, when other Premier League clubs were buzzing with new entrants, the case was quite different at Chelsea Football Club, as they had bigger fish to fry.
Former manager Antonio Conte's sacking was no surprise, however, it came quite later than expected. After a lot of turmoil, problems are finally coming to an end for the Premier League side, as former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri has reportedly agreed to manage the blues.
The Italian is known for his excellent man-management skills and is a tactical genius, which was highlighted in Napoli's performance during his reign. Known to be a chain-smoker, many believe that Sarri's major headache will be the no smoking rule of Chelsea's home ground, Stamford Bridge.
With a preponed deadline day, Chelsea now needs to secure some signatures, and Sarri is looking to bring as many as five players from his old team. Here are five Napoli players Sarri wants with him at Chelsea:
#5 Raul Albiol
Veteran defender Raul Albiol is the cheapest amongst the five players Sarri wants to bring with him. The 32-year-old from Spain was an important part of last year's Napoli side that mesmerized everyone with their performance. Albiol played 39 games for the Serie A side last year and scored 3 goals.
Albiol can be signed for around £5.3 million only because of his release clause, and hence can be considered a steal in the modern-day market. However, things are not as smooth as it seems. Albiol is also wanted by La Liga side Villareal, but recent reports suggest that he might reject both offers and sign a new deal with Napoli.
#4 José Callejón
Spanish winger Jose Maria Callejon has been linked with the club from London for quite a long time now. The 31-year-old has been a part of Napoli for a long time and has found success under Sarri's guidance. Unsurprisingly, the Italian has Callejon in his 'must-have' list. Callejon played a crucial role for Napoli last year, scoring 10 goals and assisting 15.
Like Albiol, his price tag too is much lower than expected, with The Pensioners needing to spend around £21 million to bring him to Stamford Bridge. However, Napoli is perfectly aware of the situation and is looking to put a limit on the number of players Sarri can bring with him to Chelsea.
#3 Elseid Hysaj
Napoli's Albanian right-back Elseid Hysaj had a phenomenal last season, which saw clubs circling him like sharks. Barring Chelsea, Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal also joined the race to get the 24-year-old's signature. With his release clause, Hysaj can be roped in for around £23 million.
Napoli even started to figure out a replacement and they came up with a great one in Paris Saint-Germain's Thomas Meunier, who played a massive role in Belgium's FIFA World Cup campaign. However, they can now breathe easy as Hysaj's agent has confirmed that though his client's future is undecided, he feels settled at Napoli and would find it difficult to leave the club.
#2 Dries Mertens
In his first three seasons at Napoli, Dries Mertens scored only 22 Serie A goals. However, it all changed for him in the 2016/17 season when he found the back of the net 28 times in Serie A, and there has been no looking back ever since for this Belgian. The 31-year-old scored 22 times last season and Sarri is understandably eager for a reunion.
Like all other mentions in this list, Mertens' price tag is way cheaper than expected and is up for grabs for around £27 million. However, the Belgian is only focused on his side FIFA World Cup campaign at the moment which will come to an end with the third-place playoff against England. Though he has said he will reveal his future only after the conclusion of FIFA World Cup, he has also stated his inclination towards Napoli.
#1 Jorginho
The 26-year-old midfielder Jorginho is close to becoming Chelsea's first signing of 2018/19 season. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was keen to bring Jorginho to his club. Unfortunately for him, the player opted for a reunion with Sarri ahead of the chance to join the defending Premier League champions.
The Imbituba-born player will reportedly cost £57 million and several media houses have reported that the player has boarded a flight to London. Chelsea fans might have some good news coming their way although City have stated that they are willing to walk out of the race just yet.
