Chelsea's top 5 transfer targets this summer

Following the appointment of Maurizio Sarri this week, the Chelsea squad is set for an inevitable overhaul of players. Jorginho, who worked under Sarri at Napoli, also signed for the club on the same day, for a fee in the region of £50m.

Of course, Antonio Conte's side had won the Premier League in the 2016-17 campaign, accumulating a staggering 93 points to seal the title. But a rocky start to last season saw them finish in 5th with just 70 points. They just about made the bill for European football, which simply isn't good enough for a club of Chelsea's stature. Fans and football pundits alike believe that the West London outfit should strive for the title every season, based on the superb team they've assembled in recent years.

Sarri has the power to bring in Italian players with relative ease - especially those from his former club Napoli, as we've seen with Jorginho's arrival. With so many sublime players to choose from, Sarri's tenure at Chelsea is set to become a lot easier than that of his predecessor.

But now that Antonio Conte has gone and Maurizio Sarri has taken the top spot, which players could come through the door at Stamford Bridge this summer?

Let's have a look at Chelsea's top transfer targets:

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#5 Gonzalo Higuain

Gonzalo Higuain is wanted by many clubs this summer, but Chelsea remain favourites.

According to the Daily Mirror, Chelsea are preparing to offer Alvaro Morata to Juventus in a exchange for Gonzalo Higuain.

Higuain played under Maurizio Sarri at Napoli from 2014 to 2016, before he was sold to Juventus for £81m.

How might Gonzalo Higuain fit into the current Chelsea squad?

The main issue surrounding the potential purchase of Higuain is that he's set to turn 31-years-old this year. This marks the final turn of his career, and it's only a matter of time now before his legs begin to go due to age.

That being said, there is no denying the ability Higuain possesses on the field. He has proven at Juventus that he can still net goals into the double-figure bracket with ease. When he first arrived at the Italian giants, he scored 24 goals in 38 appearances, and then put away 16 in 35 the next season. With the service he'd get at Chelsea, there's no doubt that he would be able to score even more in the Premier League.

Rumour probability: 6/10

Juventus have shown their interest in Morata before now (and actually had the striker at their club before he was sold to Chelsea at the start of last season) so a swap deal might interest them greatly. However, after having spent £105m on Ronaldo recently, Juventus will undoubtedly be after cash in order to level out their finances.

#4 Daniele Rugani

Daniele Rugani has a strong working relationship with Sarri, stretching back to his early days in Empoli.

Premium Sport have reported that Chelsea have agreed a €40m deal for Juventus defender Daniele Rugani, at the request of Maurizio Sarri.

How might Daniele Rugani fit into the current Chelsea squad?

Chelsea already have decent squad depth in the centre-back role, with Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger, David Luiz and Andreas Christensen all competing for spots in the typical back three formation. However, the addition of Daniele Rugani will be a statement of intent for the West London club, and he would easily be a first-choice defender if he was to sign.

With age on his side, Rugani has a promising future, and Chelsea look to capitalise on that. He is very agile for a centre-back of his size, and can muscle opponents off the ball at the slightest opportunity. It is likely that the Italian would be a big hit for the Blues in their bid for the title next season.

Rumour probability: 7.5/10

If the rumours are true about Rugani requesting for Sarri to become the new Chelsea coach before choosing to sign with the Blues, then the possibility of a transfer is high. As previously stated, Sarri worked with Rugani when he was a teenager at Empoli, so the history there could prove to be crucial to negotiations.

The fact the 23-year-old lacks game time in Turin might also be a deciding factor in his decision to join Chelsea.

#3 Aleksandr Golovin

Golovin was a star for Russia in the World Cup

Chelsea are set to compete with Arsenal for Russia's World Cup star Aleksandr Golovin, according to The Sun.

Juventus were also interested in the Russian ace but after having spent £105m on Ronaldo, it's safe to say that they would struggle to keep up with a bidding war this summer.

How might Aleksandr Golovin fit into the current Chelsea squad?

Golovin has shown the world what he's capable of this summer. He weaves in and out of defenders as if it was nothing, and even scores the occasional goal when he likes. Golovin would slot easily into the Chelsea squad and would render the Blues a force to be reckoned with next season.

Playing alongside new signing Jorginho, the pair would undoubtedly tear up opposition defences and dictate the play together.

Rumour possibility: 7/10

Aleksandr Golovin's mother fuelled speculation about the player being off to Stamford Bridge after she admitted talks between Chelsea and CSKA Moscow were progressing.

When asked about her son moving to Chelsea, she said: “Yes, now there are talks between the clubs, but we still do not know the details.

Chelsea still have a great deal of cash left in their transfer kitty, so a signing like Golovin could very well still be on the cards.

#2 Alisson

Alisson had a decent tournament with Brazil at this summer's World Cup.

Alisson has been linked with a plethora of clubs this summer, including the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea. Liverpool, especially, are desperate for a new No.1 after Karius and Mignolet are deemed by fans as second-choice options at best.

However, with Chelsea preparing for the departure of Thibaut Courtois, Alisson has been marked as an ideal replacement, according to The Metro.

How might Alisson fit into the current Chelsea squad?

If Thibaut Courtois leaves Chelsea this summer, then Alisson would be the new No.1, without a doubt.

Alisson has performed very well at Roma in Serie A, and his most recent performances in the World Cup attracted even more admirers than before. His cat-like agility and anticipation would undoubtedly be an asset to the Blues as they strive for the title next season.

Rumour possibility: 6/10

As stated above, the move depends purely on whether Courtois leaves Chelsea or not. But with Roma recently softening their stance on the Brazilian keeper by knocking off almost £9m from the original asking price of £70m, Chelsea might need to table an official offer sooner rather than later. It might not be an opportunity that comes around anytime soon.

#1 Mateo Kovacic

Kovacic is on the fringe of the first-team at Madrid and plans to seek game time elsewhere.

According to TalkSport, Mateo Kovacic is looking for a way out of Real Madrid this summer as he wants more first-team football.

Having started just 37 games since joining Madrid in 2015, the 24-year-old is fully aware that a move away is in the best interests of his career.

Sky Italia revealed that Chelsea and Tottenham have made inquiries.

How might Mateo Kovacic fit into the current Chelsea squad?

It is no secret that the 24-year-old midfielder can turn a game around by himself. He is quick, dynamic and skillful, with the vision to pick out a pass almost anywhere on the pitch. Compared to Golovin, Kovacic would be the far better option because he has so many more excellent traits, many of which have been showcased in this World Cup, where his team, Croatia, have reached the final.

Kovacic would easily take his place in midfield over the likes of Fabregas and send shockwaves throughout the Premier League with what he's capable of.

Rumour possibility: 6/10

Since Kovacic is a player with a plethora of clubs after his signature, where he might end up is truly anyone's guess. While Chelsea might have the budget to afford the player, it is ultimately down to the player's decision where he would like to play football next season.