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#3 Raphael Varane, Real Madrid
Still only 28-years-old, the four-time Champions League and World Cup winner is reportedly on the verge of leaving Real Madrid. At the Bernabeu, the French international established himself as one of Europe’s finest centre-backs of the last decade.
While Chelsea are spoilt for riches in the outstandingly sold defensive department, signing Varane would represent a vital piece of squad building for the coming seasons.
With both veterans Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta likely in their last seasons with Chelsea, there exists a gap that needs resolving. Especially after the seemingly short-sighted decision to sell the talented Fikayo Tomori to AC Milan.
Varane’s astute reading of the game, combined with his guile and comfort on the ball, will provide an excellent solution and fortify Thomas Tuchel’s three-man defence for the coming years.
#2 Declan Rice, West Ham United
The England and West Ham midfielder has long been on Chelsea's radar, with former manager Frank Lampard pushing heavily to bring the once Chelsea starlet home. Rice's impeccably tidy and disciplined displays in the West Ham and England shirts have established him as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League.
While the Kante-Jorghino axis has reigned supreme, the contribution of the prodigious Billy Gilmour will be missed due to the decision to send him out on loan for the 2021-22 campaign.
With Mateo Kovacic more renowned for his dribbling and agility, Rice would serve as an important defensive and industrious option to anchor a midfield that seems understaffed at the moment.
The England international is versatile and could comfortably slot in at centre-back. Given his history with the club and close personal relationship with Mason Mount, a reunion would sound irresistible unless Rice's heroics at the European Championships have outpriced his services.
#1 Erling Haaland, Borussia Dortmund
The subject of the loudest transfer speculation in Europe this summer, Borussia Dortmund’s striker has been courted for months by the hierarchy at Chelsea.
Over the last season, Haaland has terrorised defences with his remarkable physical prowess, pace and power, plundering 41 goals along with the Champions League Golden Boot. A move for the 2020 Golden Boy winner also makes commercial sense as it would see the club welcome one of football’s newest global superstars.
With Olivier Giroud heading towards an exit despite a contract extension, Chelsea desperately need a clinical and physically commanding forward to compliment the speed of Timo Werner and the finesse of Kai Havertz.
There are many concerns that need resolving, not the very least the price tag Borussia Dortmund would demand for their most prized asset. Nevertheless, Marina Granovskaia and the Chelsea board can be trusted to be astute negotiators in securing the star signing.
