Chelsea Transfer News: 3 Youngsters Who Could Bring Life to Benitez's Lineup

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Chelsea have a relatively young team this season. But a busy schedule, a managerial change and some poor performances have caused the Blues to appear anything but fresh.

After plummeting out of the Capital One Cup against Swansea and struggling to a 2-2 draw in the FA Cup against Brentford, Benitez will no doubt be looking for ways to liven up his lineup.

Here are three young players who would inject some life into Chelsea's squad, as well as becoming shrewd long-term investments for the club.

Andre Schurrle

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Chelsea have already added one striker, Demba Ba, to their lineup in January. But with Fernando Torres' form being hit-or-miss, Ba cannot be expected to step up and carry the load every match.

Even if Torres does regain his past form and Ba can play and score in every game, the 22-year-old Andre Schurrle would be a great asset to Rafael Benitez's team.

The club have been linked with the striker a few times (via The Mirror), and Schurrle's age, ability and versatility make him the perfect candidate to boost the squad.

Asier Illarramendi

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Despite Benitez indicating that Chelsea are done in the transfer market (via The Sun), the Blues could really use another central defensive midfielder for this season and the future.

Asier Illarramendi is a bright young prospect from Spain. He currently plays for Real Sociedad and has shown an excellent ability to intercept passes and start plays from the middle of the field.

Illarramendi is still young at 22 and would no doubt welcome a move to a big Premier League club like Chelsea.

Tim Krul

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Although the Blues already have a top goalkeeper in Petr Cech, he has suffered a few injuries recently, and Ross Turnbull might not be a capable replacement.

Now that we know Cech is not invincible, it might be time to bring in a good, young goalkeeper.

If they want Newcastle's Tim Krul, however, Chelsea will have to act fast, as AC Milan are said to be making a bid (via The Daily Mail).