Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Sergio Ramos and Rumoured Blues Targets

Chelsea's current transfer plans are focused on La Liga trio Sergio Ramos, Sami Khedira and Dani Alves. Former Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is facing strong competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester City for two of his former players.

Manchester City Want to Beat Chelsea to Ramos

Mourinho's plans to reunite with Ramos could be scuppered by title rival City. That's according to Spanish website El Chiringuito (h/t Daily Star reporter Chisanga Malata):

"

Spanish website El Chiringuito claim that the Premier League champions are willing to offer the former Sevilla star a contract worth a staggering £7.7m a year.

If City do make a move for Ramos they will face stiff competition from Chelsea.

The Blues were linked with a move for the defender last January, and reports in Spain suggested that Jose Mourinho made an official approach for the 28-year-old.

"

The idea of Chelsea signing Ramos is an interesting one. The rugged Spanish international makes sense as a replacement for 33-year-old John Terry.

Christopher Lee/Getty Images

Ramos is quick, physically imposing, intelligent and uncompromising. He has all the attributes of a Mourinho-style defensive talisman.

However, it hasn't all been smooth sailing for the 28-year-old recently. He floundered during Spain's disastrous campaign at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Ramos has also struggled as a member of Los Blancos' suspect defence this season. Such struggles are unwelcome when considering the presence and potential of young star Raphael Varane.

The Frenchman, also a mooted Chelsea target, recently extended his contract, per Sky Sports: "Since then, he has made 74 appearances and caught the eye of several other leading clubs, among them Jose Mourinho's Chelsea, but appears to have snubbed all interest by adding another three years to his existing contract."

Varane will be the focal point of the Madrid defence for the next decade. However, Ramos' future isn't anywhere near as stable.

Mourinho should quickly make his move and use Chelsea's resources to try and outbid City.

Chelsea Set to Lose Race for Khedira

Mourinho faces a fight for Ramos, but he may have already lost the one to sign energetic midfield powerhouse Khedira. According to Spanish outlet Fichajes.net (h/t Metro):

"

Sami Khedira has reportedly accepted a move to Arsenal in the January transfer window – with the Gunners just now needing to agree a fee with Real Madrid for his services.

Khedira came close to moving to the Emirates Stadium in the summer but could not agree personal terms to make the switch happen.

"

The potential deal represents a major coup for Arsenal. Manager Arsene Wenger's unbalanced squad desperately needs a midfielder possessing Khedira's work rate, strength and athleticism.

However, Chelsea don't lack for players boasting those qualities. Mourinho has underpinned the skill of playmakers such as Cesc Fabregas and Oscar with the muscle of Nemanja Matic and Ramires.

Sang Tan/Associated Press

There's a perfect balance to the Chelsea midfield. Yet Mourinho has remained a fan of Khedira.

But despite his admiration, the Blues boss would be better served looking past Khedira.

Mourinho Keen on Alves, But Defender Wants Spain Stay

Mourinho is wise to court FC Barcelona full-back Alves. Even at 31, the experienced Brazilian is still a savvy defender as well as a major threat going forward.

Mourinho is now a strong candidate to take advantage of Alves' contract status with the Catalan giants, per Daily Express reporter Anthony Chapman:

"

The wing-back's contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and Luis Enrique is determined to cash in after going on a spending spree during the summer.

Alves has already expressed his desire to play in the Premier League, and a move looks even more likely after Jose Mourinho joined the hunt for his signature.

The Special One already has a plethora of talented defenders in his title-chasing squad, but believes Alves can offer some attacking width useful for breaking down teams who set up for the draw.

"

However, it seems Mourinho's hopes of landing Alves have already received a major blow. Catalan publication SPORT (h/t Metro reporter Vaishali Bhardwaj) has stated that Alves isn't ready to call time on his decorated Barca tenure just yet:

"

It is believed that the right-back has already agreed terms about a new one-year deal at the club, although negotiations are still ongoing about Alves staying for an extra season after that.

The news comes after Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was reported to have asked the Blues board to do all they can to sign the 31-year-old in January.

"

Losing out on Alves shouldn't cause Mourinho any sleepless nights. After all, he does already have Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta who can operate at right-back.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Yet few players at the position can match Alves' talent, instincts and experience. He would give the Blues greater impetus when transitioning defence to attack.

That's not a necessity for Chelsea, but it is something that would add an extra dimension to the way Mourinho's team goes forward. Since the Portuguese boss added Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa this summer, there's greater fluency to Chelsea's attack.

That demands more players at every level of the team who can make runs between defensive lines. That means defenders who can support attacking moves.

Interest in Alves, short-lived or not, is proof Chelsea are ready to target more expansive players across the squad.

Of the three La Liga stars currently on Mourinho's radar, Ramos is the one the club should go the extra mile to try and sign. The time to replace Terry is fast approaching, and Mourinho will be hard-pressed to find a better alternative to Ramos.