Big-Money Buys on Chelsea's Radar

Chelsea enter a new era under Roman Abramovich with the generation that eventually won the Champions League almost at the end of their cycle and with Jose Mourinho back to ensure a new cycle of trophy-laden success will be experienced at Stamford Bridge.

Whether it is one of their main rival's best players or the best emerging young talent around the glove, Chelsea have proven that they are capable of attracting almost any target that they hone in on.

Here are several names that are on the Blues' radar, both established stars and the next generation.

Wayne Rooney, Manchester United

The big one as far as Chelsea are concerned for the time being.

Rooney would significantly shift the power in the Premier League. Even if David Moyes feels that the England centre-forward is disposable, the 27-year-old would instantly upgrade the Blues' attack and reduce the number of options on offer to United—not to mention heaping the pressure on Robin van Persie to remain fit.

If it can be done, it obviously makes a lot of sense for Chelsea—weakening your opponent, whilst strengthening your own side.

The price is only vaguely significant, as Chelsea will surely expect the Red Devils to put a premium on a player that they are ostensibly forced to sell to one of their direct title rivals.

Should no other bidder come forward, especially one from abroad, United might have to begrudgingly negotiate with the Blues.

Arguably Rooney's best season in his career was the 2009-10 campaign, where he spearheaded United's attack in a 4-3-3 formation, quashing the notion that he is incapable of playing as a lone striker.

Further evidence to this has been seen for England over the last two years, scoring eight goals in 10 matches.

Jose Mourinho will be desperate to seal this deal to complete his squad on his return to Stamford Bridge. The Guardian report that the Blues will submit a third bid for Rooney in excess of the £25 million that was rejected by United.

Luiz Gustavo, Bayern Munich

Chelsea have plenty of options in centre-midfield.

Jose Mourinho is likely to select a 4-2-3-1 formation and there are two spaces up for grabs.

Ramires, Jon Obi Mikel, Frank Lampard, Michael Essien and Marco van Ginkel are probably the front runners for starts, although there is talk that Oscar could even adapt his game to feature in a deeper role.

Mourinho appears to be unconvinced that any of these options provide an adequate ball-winning capability, which has brought rumoured interested in Bayern Munich's Brazilian international Luiz Gustavo.

The 26-year-old will find it difficult to win a place in the starting line-up this year, especially when Javi Martinez is not even afforded a place in his more natural position.

The Express have revealed that Arsenal and Wolfsburg will be rivalling the Blues for the player's signature and a fee of £15 million could be sufficient.

With Sandro's return to fitness, Luiz Gustavo might favour a move to Wolfsburg to guarantee himself regular starts in the build up to the World Cup.

Samuel Eto'o, Anzhi

Chelsea appear to have registered an interest in Anzhi striker Samuel Eto'o, after the Russian club put the majority of their players up for sale due to a change in policy by the club's president Konstantin Remchukov, who looks to cut the budget by almost £50 million.

The Cameroonian's cost could be a stumbling block, as it would unrealistic for the former Barcelona star to expect the Blues to match his record £350,000 per week wages.

According to Mundo Deportivo (via the Express), Jose Mourinho is keen to be reunited with Eto'o, with whom he managed while in charge of Inter Milan.

The 32-year-old is a proven goalscorer and would immediately upgrade the front line and provide an alternative to Wayne Rooney, should United rebuff their efforts to sign the England international.

Willian, Anzhi

Another Anzhi star who will be available now that president Konstantin Remchukov has decided to alter the club's transfer policy is Willian.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk star received interest from the Blues in January, but the Russian club beat them to the signing of the 25-year-old for £30 million.

But with the Brazilian now on the market once more, Chelsea could be ready to reignite their interest in the player, according Mundo Deportivo (via the Express).

Doria, Botafogo

Chelsea are continuing their efforts to invest in the best young talent from around the globe and have targeted Botafogo's Doria, according to the Mail.

Captain of Brazil's under-20 side, where he won the prestigious Toulon tournament, Doria is a strong centre-back who broken into the Fogão's first team last year.

The Blues are looking to pay £8.2 million, a fee that is below the player's buy-out clause of £11 million.

Tottenham are also interested in the player and the Botafogo president Maurício Assumpção has stated that the player's future will depend on whether clubs are willing to pay the buy-out clause.

Bruma, Sporting Clube

The protracted transfer of Sporting's super talent Bruma has dragged on this summer.

Chelsea registered an interest in the player and the player's agent Catio Balde revealed to Antena 1 (via ESPN) that the Blues had made a bid for the 18-year-old.

After a series of sensational performances for Portugal's under-20 side at the under-20 World Cup, interest from foreign clubs grew, prompting the Blues to table a €8 million bid (according to ESPN).

Balde stated that the player's "mind is not on Sporting," which could prompt the Leões to sell their wonder kid before the transfer window expires.