Calling True or False on the Biggest Chelsea Transfer Rumours

Even in a season that will see them play in the UEFA Europa League final, it is hard to say that 2012-13 was much more than a complete failure for Chelsea. The Champions League holders crashed out of the competition in obscurity, failing to pass even from the group stages despite a seemingly accessible draw. 

Worse, the team managed by Rafa Benitez following the surprise sacking of Roberto Di Matteo was wholly uncompetitive in the Premier League. With just three games to go, the title never looked a realistic prospect for the Blues, while they will have to fight bitterly to hold off challenges from Arsenal and Tottenham to stay in the top four to ensure Champions League football for the coming year. 

Changes and transfers are inevitable in the London side funded by owner Roman Abramovich's ever-healthy chequebook, and the rumour mill is already in full swing. 

But which moves have a decent chance of coming to fruition, and which are little more than tabloid chitter-chatter? We take a look at some of the stories circulating around Stamford Bridge and attempt to sort the meat from the myths...

Jose Mourinho

Rafa Benitez's stay in West London has rarely looked comfortable, and it was even touch and go whether the ex-Liverpool and Inter head would be allowed to see out the season after some disappointing results on succeeding Roberto Di Matteo. A strong Europa League campaign gave the Spaniard some respite, but a change is certain for the 2013-14 campaign. 

Among several names mooted for the manager's job, the biggest headlines revolve around the Special One, Jose Mourinho. According to agent Bruno Mendes, quoted on Radio Mana Mana, the outspoken figure and current Real Madrid chief is "80 percent" likely to leave the Bernabeu for his old stamping ground in the summer (h/t Goal).

The rumour mill, however, refuses to take the move for granted. Reports from Spanish paper Marca have linked Mourinho with a move to PSG in July, while the name of Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini has also been sounded by The Guardian for a possible switch to Stamford Bridge.

FACT OR FICTION?

Some truth in the Mourinho rumours, but there's a long way to go yet in this story. 

Robert Lewandowski

After that wonderful Champions League turn against Real Madrid, the Poland international and Borussia Dortmund forward is suddenly the talk of the town.

Bayern Munich were the first to be linked with Lewandowski minutes after his four-goal semi-final haul, and he looks set to be one of the prime target's of the interminable summer transfer mill. 

Chelsea are also on the lookout for a new striker as Fernando Torres continues to fail to convince the faithful that he is the man for the job, and Lewandowski is the latest forward to be linked with a move.

This transfer will apparently be at the behest of Mourinho should he complete his return; according to the Daily Mail, the Special One allegedly texted the forward after the semi-final asking him to accompany the coach to London. 

FACT OR FICTION? 

It's plausible, but for now Bayern is a more likely destination. 

Radamel Falcao

Falcao is another striker who has been linked with a move to England and Stamford Bridge, and it is no surprise why. He has been one of the most prolific forwards in Europe over the last few years and has led Porto and Atletico Madrid to trophies both at home and abroad with his prodigious scoring rate. 

His powerful approach play and strength remind one faintly of former Chelsea favourite Didier Drogba, and there have been no shortage of column inches dedicated to El Tigre as the Blues start to rebuild. 

A possible fee of £45 million has been mooted as the price to take Falcao away from the Spanish capital by the Daily Star, a figure that should not pose too big a problem for Abramovich's coffers. 

FACT OR FICTION?

It certainly sounds like a plausible move, but Falcao is not one to jump ship quickly and even if he does, there will be fierce competition for the Colombian. 

Edinson Cavani

Continuing down the list of top-class strikers at relatively small clubs that reads like a checklist for Chelsea transfer targets, we reach the Uruguayan star Edinson Cavani. The Napoli man is highly regarded in southern Italy, and a move to a top European institution has been floated season after season without anything materialising. 

The Londoners apparently join Manchester City and Real Madrid as potential suitors for Cavani (per the Express), whose 35 goals in 40 games this season have fired Napoli to second place in Serie A. 

The toils of Fernando Torres in Stamford Bridge, however, would seem to warn against the signing of a quick, relatively lightweight forward such as Cavani who shares many of the Spaniard's attributes on the pitch. The Uruguayan has also given little indication that he is looking for a move from San Paolo, which once again will host Champions League football in the coming season. 

FACT OR FICTION

A rather fanciful link that looks unlikely to become reality. 

Andre Schurrle

Lewandowski is not the only Bundesliga star who has been rumoured with a move to Stamford Bridge. Leverkusen star Andre Schurrle is also said to be in the sights of the Blues for the new season, further strengthening the London club's attacking firepower. 

Bayer general manager Wolfgang Holzhauser, for one, believes that the transfer is imminent. "Andre Schurrle has probably signed a pre-contract deal with Chelsea," the chief explained in an interview with Kicker magazine repeated by the BBC. 

"We have received a concrete offer for a fee, which we are considering."

If Holzhauser is correct Chelsea must now convince the German club to allow their 22-year-old star to leave. Nothing has been confirmed by the Blues, but watch this space. 

FACT OR FICTION? 

One of the more concrete transfers, still a way to go but the general manager's admission speaks volumes.