Chelsea Transfer Rumors: Blues Must Land Brazilian Star Hulk

Chelsea may have finished sixth in the Premier League last season, but the club isn't that far off from contending for the title.

After all, the Blues won the Champions League and FA Cup in 2011-2012.

Chelsea has long been rumored to be going after Porto striker Hulk, who scored 16 goals in 21 La Liga matches last season. But recent reports have other squads becoming legitimate suitors for the 25-year-old Brazilian.

According to ESPN, French powerhouse Paris Saint Germain may have a shot at landing the star. Paris Saint Germain finished second to Montpellier in Ligue 1 this past season, and there is some intrigue there for Hulk.

While Chelsea isn't far off, the club does need to add an impact player like Hulk, as well as some accompanying pieces, to emerge among the front-runners of the Premier League next season. Someone like Hulk could boost Chelsea into the discussion with defending champion Manchester City, as well as Manchester United and the active Arsenal.

Chelsea finished with three fewer wins than third-place Arsenal last season, with a goal difference of +19 (six off the Gunners' total). Hulk, who would be one of the biggest transfers of the offseason, has the ability to ignite the Blues into the top four, and possibly beyond, with some help.

It also must be said that Chelsea was a much better team under Roberto Di Matteo last season after the dismissal of Andre Villas-Boas in March. Under Di Matteo, the Blues went on to win the Champions League and FA Cup, and only lost three of their last 21 Premier League matches.

Chelsea ended last season strong, and the addition of Hulk is just what the club needs to fly out of the gate in 2012-2013.