Why Chelsea Must Not Allow Marco Reus Transfer to Slip Out of Their Grasp

There are times when trophies aren't won on the pitch. Like it or not, what happens in the boardroom has just as much of an impact.

Chelsea are proof of that.

The past 12 months have seen the Blues act swiftly in the transfer market. Last January it was the return of Nemanja Matic to Stamford Bridge, a deal that could have been delayed until the summer given he was cup-tied in the Champions League.

Rather than wait, Chelsea got their man early, integrating him into Mourinho's system with the current campaign in mind.

Then, before the World Cup had even kicked off, Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa had been snapped up.

While most managers had barely applied their first layer of sun cream on their summer holiday, Chelsea's transfer dealings were all but complete.

Acting swiftly, Chelsea have avoided bidding wars and the merry-go-round that engulfs transfer windows.

They've got value for money, invested well and acquired the players they needed rather than what was left over after the annual splurge.

In so doing, they've propelled themselves back to the forefront of the English game. Jose Mourinho's side has looked settled, enjoying a productive pre-season despite it being decimated by events in Brazil.

Michael Probst/Associated Press

They've been the Premier League's best team this year, leading from the opening weekend.

Now Marco Reus' future at Borussia Dortmund continues to remain in question, Chelsea must be just as proactive as we've seen.

The German is in high demand—and for good reason.

Not only is Reus one of Europe's most lethal attacking midfielders, this summer will see him come at a cut-price £20 million for any clubs interested.

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

And believe the rumour mill, there are plenty chasing him.

Reus doesn't represent a luxury buy, either. He's a player who will add considerable strength to Mourinho's starting line-up, let alone the squad.

He isn't a Mohamed Salah, a player who will feature infrequently and make up the numbers. Reus is a player with real substance.

For that reason, it's imperative Stamford Bridge becomes his next home.

Chelsea aren't competing just domestically these days. Indeed, none of the major clubs in Europe are.

To win the biggest prizes, attract—and retain, for that matter—the best players, they are competing with their rivals across the continent.

Real Madrid have Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, Barcelona, Lionel Messi and Neymar. Manchester City continue to spend big, while Bayern Munich have a squad crammed full of exciting players.

It's a game of muscle, both financial and that dominant part of our psyche we call the ego—most boardrooms have it and they like to massage it from time to time.

Chelsea more than compete in that area, yet it's about so much more than what happens on the pitch. It's about sending the message that the best players want to sign for the club, that they buy into what Mourinho is building.

And with the best players often comes success.

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

Besides, when it comes down to it, can Chelsea allow their rivals to get stronger? They can't, especially when they are forking out so little in doing so.

Whether he moves in January or this summer, Reus' transfer is going to be the one that engulfs the media. Simply because there is so much riding on it.

From Chelsea's perspective, Reus could be the most significant signing Mourinho has made since his return 18 months ago. Not for what he offers but for what it would symbolise.

Is the club the attractive proposition it claims to be? Or are Chelsea what they were before Roman Abramovich bought the club—also-rans punching above their weight?

Lose out to Real, City or any of the others in the pursuit of Reus and what will it say?

He can't be allowed to slip through their grasp.

Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes