EPL: 7 Players That Chelsea FC Must Sign This Summer

By their standards, Chelsea’s 2011/2012 season has been far from an impressive one.

With the Londoners currently two points off the pace in the race for fourth spot in the Barclays Premier League, Roberto Di Matteo’s men are staring at the prospect of missing out on Champions League football next season.

And while they are into the semifinals of both the FA Cup and the Champions League, Chelsea could well end the season trophy-less—for the second successive year.

It is for these reasons that owner Roman Abramovich has been rumoured to be plotting a summer clear-out in order to revamp his continually weakening team.

But who should the Blues target?

Chelsea’s main area of weakness is in the flanks, where the west London club seems to be lacking the cutting edge. Currently, Chelsea have just one top-class winger in their books—Juan Mata. In fact, so few are their wing options that strikers Daniel Sturridge and Salomon Kalou have been often called upon to deputise as wide-men.

The club’s most successful spell was coincidentally from 2004 to 2006—when they had flying wingers Arjen Robben, Damien Duff and Joe Cole in their squad, perhaps a sign that depth in the wing department is pivotal to the club’s success.

Signing an attacking midfielder should be another objective as the Blues clearly lack an inch-perfect ball-passing creative midfielder.

Other potential targets should include an attacking right back, cover for Ashley Cole at left back and a predatory striker.

Unfortunately, though, in their pursuit of players, Chelsea will have a potential huddle to contend with.

Should the Blues fail to qualify for the CL, it will reduce the club’s effectiveness in the transfer market, too, as few top-class players would be willing to join a club not competing in Europe’s most prestigious competition—the Champions League.

Nonetheless, the following are the players who should be in Chelsea’s radar.

Angel Di Maria

Current club: Real Madrid

Age: 24

Estimated cost: £35 million

The Blues have already been linked with the Argentinian winger, and rightly so.

Having made 77 appearances for the Los Blancos, the pacey Di Maria has 16 goals and an impressive 34 assists to his name.

He is a player Chelsea need in their squad.

Gregory van der Wiel

Current club: Ajax

Age: 24

Estimated cost: £7 million

The Holland international, who is being tracked by Spanish club Valencia, is arguably the world's best attacking right back.

He would be a welcome addition to the Chelsea squad, as current first-choice right back Branislav Ivanovic often struggles to link up with the attack. His deputy, Jose Bosingwa, has also been struggling to rediscover his form and may leave the club at the end of the season.

Yann M'vila

Current club: Rennes

Age: 21

Estimated cost: £20 million

The young French holding midfielder, who has been heavily linked with Arsenal and Real Madrid, could be the player Chelsea need to add some steel to their ever-weakening midfield.

The Blues are in need of a defensive midfielder, as Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel's performances have fallen below expectations this season. With M'vila's physical strength and his eye for a pass, the Rennes star would be the perfect signing for Chelsea.

Luka Modric

Current club: Tottenham Hotspur

Age: 26

Estimated cost: £40 million

How can he not be on this list?

The Croatian was arguably the most talked-about name in the past summer window, as media reports continually linked him with a move to Spurs' London rivals Chelsea. The Tottenham hierarchy, however, stood its ground and refused to sell their prize asset.

Despite having failed to replicate last season's form so far this term, Modric is still a much-needed addition to the Chelsea squad.

Matt Jarvis

Current club: Wolverhampton Wanderers

Age: 25

Estimated cost: £5 million

The Englishman is undoubtedly one of the most underrated players in the Barclays Premier League. And while he plays for a relegation-bound club, Jarvis is good enough to climb up the ladder to a top club like Chelsea.

His trickery, pin-point crossing accuracy and lightning-quick pace are the qualities the Chelsea squad lacks.

Leighton Baines

Current club: Everton

Age: 27

Estimated cost: £7 million

The England international is arguably the most defender in the EPL. In addition to his defensive skills, the left back is a good attacker, too.

With the veteran Ashley Cole past his prime, Chelsea need a ready and tested left back to rival Cole for the starting berth. Ryan Bertrand, Cole's current deputy, is still learning the trade and cannot be considered a reliable replacement.

Edinson Cavani

Current club: Napoli

Age: 25

Estimated cost: £30 million

The Uruguayan, who has scored 28 goals so far this season, has already been rumoured to be a summer target for the Londoners.

Chelsea are in need of a top-class striker, as their front line has been struggling for goals so far this term. To add insult to injury, £50 million striker Fernando Torres has failed to regain his lost form.

With Didier Drogba's contract expiring this summer, Cavani could be the man to fill the Ivorian shoes.