Chelsea Transfer News: Fernando Torres Shouldn't Close Door on Summer Move

Fernando Torres must keep his options open heading into the summer after another lackluster campaign and the arrival of new manager Jose Mourinho. The striker still has a chance to get his career back on track, even if it doesn't happen at Stamford Bridge.

Torres said he plans to speak with Mourinho after finishing international duty with Spain, with the team currently taking part in the Confederations Cup. Dermot Corrigan of ESPN passed along his thoughts, which center around chasing a Premier League title with Chelsea.

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"Chelsea is the club where I am and where I want to be, I want to keep winning big trophies here," Torres said. "Mourinho is a very demanding coach, but who has always guaranteed success. I am confident that he will have something prepared for me. I have three more years on my contract, I expect and want to fulfil those. I want to win the Premier League, which is the only trophy I am missing."

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The comments come shortly after Mark Irwin of The Sun reported Barcelona are interested in adding Torres to help replace David Villa, who's expected to move. The report also mentions Chelsea's hope of landing Napoli superstar Edinson Cavani.

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The Spanish champs are preparing an audacious £17million bid for the misfit striker—£33m LESS than the British record transfer fee Chelsea paid Liverpool for him two years ago.

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Even if the Blues aren't able to secure Cavani, who's one of the most coveted players on the market, their depth up front is growing. That's not good news for Torres.

The club has already agreed to an £18 million deal with Bayer Leverkusen for Andre Schurrle. It will also welcome back Romelu Lukaku from loan with West Bromwich Albion, where he shined, scoring 17 goals in 35 Premier League appearances.

Demba Ba also returns after a strong start with Chelsea following his acquisition in January. He wasn't able to maintain top form in the latter stages of the campaign, but starred for Newcastle before making the switch and should continue to make an impact for the Blues.

For Torres, one of the main reasons Chelsea has been a good fit over the past couple of seasons is the lack of depth up front. No matter how deep his slump became, the club had little option but to keep running him out there and seek better results.

They rarely came. Torres scored 17 goals across Premier League and European play last season. It amounts to his best season with the club, but is still well off the pace he set during his time at Liverpool.

His comments at least make it sound like he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge, but he shouldn't rule out a summer move. It may be his best choice after meeting with Mourinho.

The club's new manager, who returns after a previous successful stint with Chelsea that ended in 2007, will be under a lot of pressure to succeed. In Blues terms, that means contending for multiple trophies, including the Premier League title.

Along with the added forward depth, it leaves far less wiggle room for Torres. If he falls into one of his trademark slumps early next season and other players step up to fill the void, Mourinho will have to stick with the productive forwards.

Ultimately, Torres said all the right things about his Chelsea future. Moving forward, he must keep his own future in mind before making any final decisions this summer. He needs to find a way to regain his previously elite form.

Staying at Stamford Bridge might not provide that opportunity.