Antonio Conte's first season at Chelsea proved to be a success. The Blues' won the Premier League and almost completed the domestic double.
Now with the transfer window open, Chelsea need to strengthen their squad a lot. There are a lot of places where improvement is required and also getting a couple of back-ups is a must.
Aside from the issue of squad depth, there are also potential departures to consider. Diego Costa has been asked to leave while Michy Batshuayi has also been linked with a move away.
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Nemanja Matic is on the verge of leaving Chelsea for Manchester United and according to recent reports, Willian is said to be unhappy at the club. John Terry has been released, and a replacement for him is also a must.
Here are the five players who are reportedly close to joining Chelsea this summer:
#5 - Tiemoué Bakayoko
Bakayoko to Chelsea is reportedly a done deal according to recent reports. He is said to be the direct replacement for Nemanja Matic, who is reportedly heading to Manchester United.
Evening Standard report that Chelsea have agreed a £35 million deal for the AS Monaco star. They are now set to hold talks to discuss personal terms with him, but other sources say that it is already done.
Bakayoko's signing is a good one for Chelsea, but it is also a slap in the face for Nathaniel Chalobah. As former Chelsea assistant manager says, "In Nathaniel, they have got a footballer that can play exactly the same but just needs an opportunity to get in there and play."
#4 - Alex Sandro
Juventus have openly confirmed that Chelsea have made two substantial offers for Alex Sandro. The recent bid is reportedly €70 million and the club have asked the player to make the decision.
Calcio Mercato reports suggest that the Brazilian left-back has decided to move to Stamford Bridge and has handed in a transfer request. The Italian publication claim that Chelse have offered him a contract worth €7 million a season.
The move would break the world record fee for a defender by around £10 million. With Sandro joining, Marcos Alonso will be benched despite having a great 2016/17 season.
#3 - Romelu Lukaku
Last summer, it was the Paul Pogba transfer saga that was dragged on by Mino Raiola, this summer its Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea. The player wants to join them and the club wants him but still, the agent seems to be dragging things.
However, reports suggest that Chelsea and Everton are close to agreeing a deal for the Belgian striker. The Toffees were demanding a world record fee for the 24-year-old while The Blues' were willing to pay around £65 million.
The clubs have been in negotiations for a long time now and are set to seal the deal in the coming weeks. Chelsea will start announcing the arrival of new players from next week, ie, when the Nike deal kicks in on July 1st and Romelu Lukaku will be one of them before their pre-season tour begins.
#2 - Virgil Van Dijk
From holding talks with Liverpool behind the back of Southampton to being linked with a world record move to Chelsea - Virgil Van Dijk has had a rollercoaster 10 days.
Chelsea have tabled a £60 million bid for Van Dijk according to Di Marzio and the Saints are willing to sell the defender to the Blues. Liverpool are still in the hunt but because of their attempt to tap up the player, the St Mary's side are not willing to negotiate with them.
Antonio Conte is keen on signing Van Dijk as a move to Leonardo Bonucci looks unlikely to happen. The Dutch international is waiting for Liverpool but The Red's are not willing to pay £70 million for him.
#1 - Willy Caballero
Willy Caballero has reportedly passed a medical at Chelsea. The goalkeeper was released by Manchester City and is set to be the first signing of the summer for the Premier League champions.
Chelsea will be announcing the arrival of a new player on July 1st along with the Nike deal according to reports. The player in question is said to be the former Malaga shot-stopper, Willy Caballero.
The Argentine will become Chelsea's #2 - taking over the position from Asmir Begovic, who has joined AFC Bournemouth. Thibaut Courtois will remain as the club's #1 while Eduardo will be the 3rd choice at the club.
