Chelsea Transfer News: Top Targets Revealed in Latest Stamford Bridge Rumours

Chelsea are preparing to defend their Premier League crown with the additions of Fabio Coentrao and Gonzalo Higuain to their talented squad. 

Tom Olver of Metro reports Coentrao could be convinced to move to London after admitting he has no interest in signing for possible suitors Sporting Lisbon. 

Olver says the versatile left-sided player confirmed on Facebook he would not move to Lisbon—triggering a move away to a different club from Real Madrid: "Contrary to rumours that I will play for Sporting, and despite the respect I have for club, the only Portuguese club for me is Benfica."

Coentrao will be available for under £15 million, per Olver, and would give Jose Mourinho a credible option in his defence and midfield, as he looks to strengthen with his fellow countryman. 

The 27-year-old is hugely experienced after his years with Los Blancos, and the Special One knows all about his quality after managing him at the Bernabeu. 

However, the decorated defender only made five starts in La Liga last term, per WhoScored.com, leaving Coentrao desperate for starts and minutes. 

It is questionable whether the Portugal international would oust any of Chelsea's current team to force extra games.

Battle for Argentina Striker to Ensue

Salvatore Laporta/Associated Press

With the consistent injuries to Diego Costa, Chelsea have turned their attentions to Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain. 

George Bellshaw of Metro wrote the Blues will bid £29.1 million for the Argentina striker as they look to strengthen at the top of their attack (h/t Fichajes.net).

Bellshaw says Higuain is looking to exit Naples after the team failed to qualify for the Champions League, and he could now find his way to the EPL champions.

However, beIN Sports correspondent Tancredi Palmeri claims the player is in talk with two other English superclubs:

Higuain has been prolific in Serie A this term, grabbing 18 goals in 37 league appearances, per Squawka.com. 

He would give any of the top EPL teams a genuine predatory edge, and on his day, he is one of the best strikers on the planet. 

Coentrao and Higuain are the player types Mourinho needs to add, but they will have to hit top form to get in the starting line-up. 

Michael Sohn/Associated Press

Coentrao has fallen off the radar after falling from grace in the Spanish capital, and Chelsea's formation does not suit the player's forward-thinking raids. It is questionable whether he has the discipline to be a full-back for Mourinho, but he would allow the manager a different kind of option. 

Higuain would be an exceptional signing and would remove the weight of expectation from Costa's shoulders. 

The Spain striker was excellent in the first half of the season, but his form fell away as his injuries mounted. Higuain is a great striker and would find the net on a regular basis. Didier Drogba did a strong job for Mourinho in the last 12 months, but Higuain would be a huge step up in quality.