Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Rumours After Loss to Manchester City

Gonzalo Higuain and Isco are reportedly on Chelsea's radar during the final days of this summer's transfer window. The attacking pair makes sense as targets after last season's Premier League champions drew a blank in losing 3-0 to title rivals Manchester City, per Sky Sports.

It's interest in Higuain that may pique Chelsea fans the most. A report from Spanish website Fichajes.net (h/t Metro's Jamie Sanderson), suggests Blues boss Jose Mourinho sees the Argentinian powerhouse as the ideal backup for Diego Costa.

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Yet that cover won't come cheap, according to Sanderson: "The player has a release clause set at £63.9million, which Napoli will hold any interested club to, but it will not put off Chelsea who seem determined to get things sorted."

The idea of paying that sort of fee merely for a benchwarmer is just one of the things wrong with this rumour. Mourinho certainly isn't above putting a dent in the Stamford Bridge safe just for a backup. See January flop Juan Cuadrado.

But even Chelsea would surely balk at paying that price for a player who won't be a regular. The bigger question is whether a backup striker is all the Blues need.

It's an issue put into sharp focus by star man Costa's poor start to the new season. He hasn't scored in three starts, looks unfit and still seems like a red card waiting to happen.

The Guardian's Daniel Taylor described how Costa lost his focus during the fiasco against City:

Given Costa's catalogue of hamstring injuries and disciplinary issues, it might be time to at least freshen things up in attack. Mourinho has worked with Higuain before during his time in charge at Real Madrid.

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While Higuain hasn't been on top form since moving to Italy, he's still hit 35 Serie A goals in the last two seasons, according to WhoScored.com. The 27-year-old knows how to lead the line and doesn't waste many chances, either on the ground or in the air.

Mourinho Keen on Isco

Another way to refresh Chelsea's forward options would be to add a skilled, goal-getting attacking midfielder. Real Madrid fringe player Isco certainly fits the bill.

Mourinho is keen on the Spain star, but faces Premier League competition, according to Daily Express writer Adam Skinner: "Both Chelsea and Manchester City have been linked with the 23-year-old, with Jose Mourinho and Manuel Pellegrini thought to be huge admirers."

Skinner also cites Italian publication La Repubblica crediting Serie A champions Juventus with strong interest. In fact, the Old Lady is said to have made a "£28.4 million" offer.

It makes sense for Isco to have so many suitors. On a technical level, he is a marvel. The 23-year-old also has a keen eye for goal.

Mourinho doesn't usually stockpile creative players. But Cesc Fabregas has struggled at the start of this season, while Mourinho doesn't always trust Brazilian Oscar in big games.

Chelsea's ageing defence was ravaged against City and conceded two against Swansea City to start the season. But Mourinho should be just as concerned by an attack that failed to find the net in the FA Community Shield against Arsenal and during the debacle at the Etihad Stadium.

So Blues fans would be wise to take any links with attackers seriously between now and deadline day.