Chelsea Transfer News: Jose Mourinho Is Smart to Keep Current Squad Together

Jose Mourinho inherited a talented roster at Chelsea, and is making a smart decision by keeping it together during the transfer season.

In the last two years, the club has won a Europa League title as well as a Champions League title. Although fans would like to see more success in the English Premier League, the club is certainly capable of accomplishing great things in the coming years.

This is why it's just as important to hold onto players as it is to bring new ones in.

That was not always a certainty, especially early on in the transfer season. When Mourinho took over the job as manager, he said that only five players were certain starters next season, according to Dean Jones and Dave Kidd of Mirror Football. 

That list of players did not include Juan Mata, David Luiz, Fernando Torres or Branislav Ivanovic. As a result, many assumed that some or all of them would be sent out of town.

That fear appeared likely to come to fruition when the Daily Mail reported that "Chelsea are ready to sell both David Luiz and Branislav Ivanovic to Barcelona for a combined £40 million."

Fortunately, it now seems as though these key players are sticking around. According to Sky Sports, Mourinho gave a clear answer when asked about the rumours:

"

As a manager, a board, we have the responsibility of running the club, and the owner, and we are very, very clear that there is no chance that Ivanovic will leave Chelsea. 

I like the squad, I like the profile...At the moment the market is very stopped. We are okay, we are very much okay. If the transfer window closed tomorrow and we do nothing, I am more than happy.

"

While the club will likely remain in contention for a few possible incoming transfers, the fact that the top players are not leaving is huge for the future of this club.

Ivanovic was one of the most valuable players on the roster last season. Not only was he incredibly consistent with his play, but he showcased plenty of versatility as someone who can play both center-back and right-back.

The 29-year-old player is useful on the attack and is steady as a defender. Simply being on the squad makes everyone else better.

Mourinho's comments do not specifically talk about Luiz, Mata or others, but it seems as though he is unwilling to let anyone leave Stamford Bridge. That is great news for everyone involved with Chelsea.

There seems to be a general sense of excitement heading into next season. Players like Eden Hazard believe that the new coach can take the club to the next level in both domestic and continental competitions, according to Dominic Fifield of the Guardian.

With the roster carrying over from last season, plus the additions of Romelu Lukaku, Marco van Ginkel and others, the squad should be one of the top teams in Europe next year.

Of course, this is only if management continues the mindset of not selling key players.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest breaking news and analysis.