Chelsea's Transfer Activity: What Does It All Mean?

The summer transfer window is still yet to open but already the gossip columns are full of movement.

Whilst there have been no big signings, Chelsea have seen their fair share of column inches already, and there seems to be a theme to the activity around SW6.

Firstly, the expected links with everyone at Inter Milan. The Mourinho factor was always going to mean a flurry of stories about players going in both directions, with Ricardo Carvalho and Deco seem to be at the head of such a queue.

Personally, I’m happy with the business we are looking to do this summer. Players like Deco are on the wrong side of 30 and don’t put in a notable contribution.

Last season, you could argue the same is true of Carvalho.

Other players like Ballack and Ferreira could also be on their way, and the club should look to inject some new, young blood into the squad.

The rumoured deal for Daniel Sturridge is the first sign of such a course of action being taken, but as much as this is the right thing to do, bringing in young, English talent, it should be from our own academy.

Also, Sturridge is apparently a bit to sure of himself, let's say, and the last thing Chelsea need is another ego.

Of course, we won’t know our real targets this summer until Ancelotti officially takes over on July 1, but it looks like we’ve got it right in theory, now we need to get it right in practice.

Taking Shevchenko back for the last year of his contract is too sentimental and not a wise move, likewise any moves for players like Gattuso and Pirlo who, despite their class, are again too old to warrant the hefty fees Milan would demand.

If we can avoid these minefields and hold on to key players like Michael Essien, whose agent has been making some interesting noises recently, the Blues will be in a strong position to challenge for all the major honours again next year.

Just a word on Essien, I suspect his representatives might be pushing for a new contract rather than a move away from Stamford Bridge. The Ghanaian has never looked anything but happy in London and is adored by the fans. Who would want to change that?

His input on his return from injury last season merit his position as a senior player, and his contract should reflect that. Let's hope this is solved quickly.

Effort should be made to bring in players like Tevez and another centre half to back up John Terry and Alex.

Chelsea are not far off having a squad capable of winning the title or the Champions League, and now with hopefully a long-term managerial appointment, the club can build on the good work done at the end of last season and add to the trophy cabinet again next season.

Post your comments below on who you think Chelsea should bring in and ship out this summer.