Chelsea Transfer News: Players Chelsea Need to Compete on All Fronts

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This summer transfer window has been rife with rumours rather then done deals for Chelsea. After a Champions League and F.A. Cup winning season, the Blues are still looking to refresh an aging squad for next season in order to remain competitive, and so far, Chelsea's been playing it smart this time. The allure of playing for a Champions League winning club has attracted Eden Hazard and Marko Marin to join C.F.C., but the signings should not stop there.

With Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Jose Bosingwa leaving the club this summer, Chelsea are still in need of some quality players to ensure they have a chance at competing for honours next season.

Hulk

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With iconic striker Didier Drogba leaving the Blues this summer, Chelsea are in need of a striker with similar qualities to that of the Ivorian. Many would shout the name Romelu Lukaku, but he is not ready to be called upon on a regular basis as his age and inexperience reflect on his record for Chelsea (1 goal in 12 matches).

Hulk would be the ideal for Chelsea. His physique can match that of any Premier League defender, he has capped at the international level for Brazil, and he’s coming off a great season that shows not only his goal scoring ability, but his team play as well. In his 38 matches for F.C. Porto last season, Hulk scored 21 goals and recorded 15 assists.

Maicon

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The right back position is a problem for Chelsea and according to Goal.com, Roberto Di Matteo is getting close to signing Maicon. 

With Chelsea preparing to compete in the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, F.A. Cup and Carling Cup, having one solid right back in Branislav Ivanovic will not be enough.

Inter will not be playing Champions League football next season and the allure of playing in the competition for the reigning champions might just be enough for the Brazil international to come to England. Being that the Brazilian full-back is 30, many would say that his top years are long gone, but if the price is right then it would definitely be a smart signing by Chelsea.

Cesar Azpilicueta

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The possible signing of Maicon would probably deter many Chelsea fans when they know Marseille right back Cesar Azpilicueta is also a target for Roberto Di Matteo.

Unlike Maicon, Azpilicueta is young (22 years old) and is a rising star in Europe, meaning that the money spent on Azpilicueta would be wiser in the long run rather than spending an equal, or possibly higher, amount on an aging Maicon.

Currently preparing for the Olympics with the U-23 Spanish national team, Azpilicueta has won the European U-19 and U-21 Championship with Spain in 2007 and 2011. In 2010 he was called up to the provisional squad by Vicente Del Bosque for the 2010 World Cup.

Although he did not make the final cut, the initial call up for the 20-year-old shows that Roberto Di Matteo isn’t the only one who sees the talent in this youngster.