Chelsea Transfer News: Major Names Rumoured to Be Eyed by Jose Mourinho
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho had apparently ended his transfer business this summer just one week ago, per BBC Sport. However, that didn't stop him from bringing striker Didier Drogba back to Stamford Bridge, a move confirmed by David Hytner of The Guardian.
The Ivory Coast talisman may not even be the last new arrival in this window. Mourinho is still credited with interest in a pair of high-profile stars, including a former player.
Here's a look at the latest major names Mourinho is rumoured to be eyeing:
A Loan Deal for Radamel Falcao Could be Tempting
He's brought back Drogba and spent big money to land Diego Costa. But Mourinho would surely find it difficult to end his search for attacking reinforcements if he thinks he can get Radamel Falcao on loan.
The prolific Colombian veteran could be made available for a 12-month switch from French side AS Monaco. That is tempting a number of major clubs, including Chelsea and Real Madrid, according to Daily Express reporter Ben Jefferson:
"Reports suggest that Monaco want £9.5m for the season-long loan with the remaining £35.5m to be paid next summer.
The deal could also have useful implications in terms of UEFA's Financial Fair Play restrictions with Real already having signed Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez this summer.
It now remains to be seen whether Chelsea, United or City can be enticed to rekindle their interest on the basis of the new terms proposed.
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That's a hefty loan fee, but certainly still in Chelsea's range, despite the club's recent efforts to comply with FFP rules. At 28 and not long removed from major ACL damage, Falcao may seem like too much of a risk.
However, there is no denying he still possesses predatory instincts few top-level strikers are able to match. Before the injury, Falcao had been playing well for Monaco, finding the net nine times in 17 appearances, per WhoScored.com.
Of course, many Chelsea supporters may query where even a fit and firing Falcao would fit in an attack that now has Costa as its focal point. But Costa has ample experience playing in the same forward line as Falcao.
The duo were a prolific tandem for Atletico Madrid during the 2011/12 and 2012/13 campaigns. With Falcao roaming in central areas and Costa usually starting on the left side, they fired the goals that won Atleti the UEFA Europa League and the Copa del Rey.
But even as an impact substitute, Falcao's presence would be tremendous. Mourinho spent last season bringing a misfiring Fernando Torres and a lacking in confidence Demba Ba off the bench in search of goals.
If he pulled off a deal for Falcao, Mourinho would have one of deadliest finishers in the European game lurking with intent in reserve this season.
Mourinho Ready to Talk Raphael Varane into Chelsea Switch
Mourinho is ready to whisper sweet nothings in the direction of Madrid, in an attempt to lure Los Blancos centre-back Raphael Varane to the Premier League. In fact, Mounrinho has already started his charm offensive, according to a report in the London Evening Standard:
"Mourinho has been exploring the possibility of signing Real Madrid star Raphael Varane, with the France centre-back unhappy at the Bernabeu where his wages of £25,000-a-week are lower than most of the rest of the squad.
He is in talks with Madrid and Mourinho is monitoring the situation to see if there’s a chance of buying him.
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The report claims Mourinho maintains interest in the player he gave first-team chances to in La Liga, despite the arrival of Varane's fellow youthful French stopper, Kurt Zouma.
Mourinho is absolutely right to continue pursuing a potential deal for Varane. Quality defenders are in short supply in the modern game, especially young ones with the athleticism and power Varane possesses.
On a personal note, it's always a little discouraging to hear that a manager has to talk a player into signing. Prospective new arrivals should wholeheartedly want to join their new homes.
However, that's an idealistic and slightly unrealistic view in today's transfer environment. But it's also equally dubious to claim Chelsea don't need Varane after signing Zouma.
Chelsea are still ageing at centre-back as long as John Terry continues to play a prominent role. Gary Cahill performed ably for most of last season, but his improvement is mostly due to Mourinho's defensive tactics and the value he places on the position.
Anyone who saw Cahill struggle mightily for England at the 2014 FIFA World Cup can't be too confident about him. Even if Cahill is close to peaking, Varane is a player on the rise few would dispute will soon exceed the Englishman.
With both Varane and Zouma available, Chelsea would have two young compatriots ready to form a partnership built to last for a decade.
Mourinho has done excellent business so far in this window. He has equipped Chelsea with close to everything they need in positions that were weak last term, notably striker and attacking midfield.
But there is still room for another marquee addition to further strengthen a powerful-looking squad. Whether that addition comes at the back or up front, Chelsea will enter the new season brimming with top-level quality.
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