Chelsea Transfer News: What Daniele De Rossi Would Bring to Stamford Bridge

Chelsea have been very active in transfer efforts during Jose Mourinho's first offseason back with the Blues, and it appears he might be close to landing another impact player in the next few days. 

AS Roma and Italian national team star Daniele De Rossi appears close to a move from Seria A to the English Premier League. The soon to be 30-year-old has played his entire professional career in Italy, but that could soon change if reports of Chelsea's proximity to a transfer are true. 

According to Sam Gayton of Metro, sources in Italy are reporting that a De Rossi transfer is "very close" to completion on a fee somewhere in the neighborhood of £11.2 million. 

Speculation that De Rossi appears headed for a transfer has been fueled by reports that he's not on Roma's list of players scheduled to be in attendance for summer training camp in Riscone. 

As noted by Rik Sharma of Daily Mail, De Rossi was not included on a release that featured the names of other teammates. That disconnect has only furthered speculation that De Rossi's days at his boyhood club are numbered. 

By listening to reports like those above from Gayton and Sharma, it would appear certain that Chelsea is the likely landing spot for De Rossi when everything sorts itself out. 

If that's indeed the case, what could the midfielder bring to Stamford Bridge after making the first transfer of his club career?

For starters, De Rossi can be a veteran presence for the Blues. 

Although the side has no shortage of experience in players like John Terry, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard, the right amount of tutelage for some of the club's younger stars could go a long way in creating long-term success. 

Juan Mata, Oscar and Eden Hazard have all had their moments for the Blues, but Mourinho is clearly trying to establish a standard of consistency for his midfielders on both sides of the ball.

De Rossi would be an example of that, both on and off the pitch, and that could have far-reaching effects for the club next season. 

Although he's somewhat limited as an offensive player, it's not as if Chelsea will need De Rossi to score.

He didn't have any goals for Roma in Serie A action last year, but had three for Italy in international play last year and scored two so far this year for the Azzurri in international friendlies and the Confederations Cup. 

As mentioned in Gayton's report, there's no guarantee John Obi Mikel returns to Stamford Bridge. Oriol Romeu won't be competing for a midfield spot, either. As reported by Metro's Hannah Duncan, Romeu is heading to Valencia on a season-long loan.

Just from a depth point of view, getting De Rossi in the fold would be huge for the Blues.

From a defensive standpoint, he brings a ton of value to any lineup.

While it seems like his production at Roma has waned in recent years, the De Rossi who suited up for Cesare Prandelli at the Confederations Cup was every bit the player we've come accustomed to seeing in a starring role over the course of his club and Azzurri career.

Kris Voakes of Goal.com had an interesting take on what De Rossi could be for Mourinho's men next year.

Although De Rossi hit a wall of sorts at the club level, he has the experience and defensive talent to play a Xabi Alonso-type role for Mourinho next season. 

If the central attack is lacking in Premier League action next year, De Rossi is the kind of midfielder who will help keep opposing attackers at bay.

Chelsea flashed the kind of talent it will take to finish on top of the EPL table and make a deep run in Champions League action, but finding consistent defense and leadership to weather the rough patches will be key in Mourinho's first season back at Stamford Bridge. 

De Rossi should be able to provide both to Mourinho's lineup every week. 

De Rossi showed he can still be a world-class midfielder during his brief stint in the Confederations Cup.

With his move to Stamford Bridge reportedly gaining steam, Blues fans everywhere will have to decide for themselves if the Italian can provide the spark Chelsea will need to bring home multiple trophies next season. 

Follow B/R's Ethan Grant (@DowntownEG) on Twitter.