Chelsea Transfer Rumours: Predicting the Landing Spots for Wantaway Stars

Chelsea's rough season might just become even worse in the summer.

According to a new report from the Sun's Rob Beasley, Chelsea fear that four key players are pondering an exit from the club this summer. Eden Hazard, Diego Costa, Oscar and Thibaut Courtois all have long-term contracts, but the Blues' poor season, unsettled dressing room and the prospect of failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League have reportedly prompted them to consider their options.

So where will they end up? Keep reading for our predictions.

Eden Hazard

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All four players listed in the Sun's article are big stars, but Hazard is probably the brightest of them—even despite his poor 2015-16 season. Although he hasn't scored a goal this term, the Belgian took home player of the year awards from the FWA and PFA last year as Chelsea won the Premier League title.

No surprise, then, that his market value still stands at €70 million, per TransferMarkt.com (as of Tuesday, Jan. 19). Considering his age (25) and talent, that figure feels just about right—and that price tag puts him out of reach for all but the richest of clubs.

Not coincidentally, one of the richest clubs of all, Real Madrid, has been linked extensively with Hazard in recent times. One of the more recent rumors, published by Kieran Gill at the Daily Mail, suggested Hazard wants to leave Chelsea this summer and is a target for both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

That report quotes new Real boss Zinedine Zidane as saying last November: "After Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Hazard is my favourite player. It is spectacular to see him play. Do I see him going to Real Madrid? I love the player, that's all I will say."

In transfer-speak, that's about as close to an admission of interest as you're ever likely to read.

Verdict: Real Madrid is the obvious choice, but the Spanish giants are facing a one-year transfer ban. PSG have the financial resources, but Ligue 1 wouldn't offer the same challenges as La Liga for the technically gifted Hazard.

If Real can successfully appeal their ban, expect Hazard to head there in the summer. If not, it's still likely that he'll move in order to play Champions League football. PSG might be the next-best choice, unless Chelsea can somehow sneak into the Premier League's top four by the end of the season.

Diego Costa

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Much like Hazard, Costa has seen his form dip this season as Chelsea have struggled. The Brazil-born Spain international scored 20 goals during the Blues' 2014-15 title-winning campaign but has bagged just seven so far this term.

However, a recent uptick in form has seen Costa score five goals in his last five matches in all competitions, and his market value still stands at an impressive €50 million, per TransferMarkt.com.

According to a December report from the Daily Mirror's Darren Lewis, Costa is open to a return to Atletico Madrid, his former club. More recently, Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Max Miller at Metro) reported that Atletico boss Diego Simeone wants to re-sign the 27-year-old striker.

However, Atletico are currently facing the prospect of a one-year transfer ban, just like Real Madrid. The embargo would start in the summer, complicating a potential move for Costa.

Verdict: Costa's abrasive, physical style is a good match for Simeone's Atletico, but the looming transfer ban has put the club's future dealings on hold. PSG are also interested, per the Independent, but based on his background and lifestyle preferences, Costa might prefer a move back to Spain.

With that in mind, maybe we should wait until the end of the season and see how the race plays out for La Liga's Champions League spots. Costa is a Champions League-quality player, and if he decides to leave Chelsea at the end of the season, he would probably prefer a Champions League club in Spain.

Currently, the four La Liga clubs in line to qualify are Atletico, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Villarreal. Atletico and Real are facing transfer bans, and Barca are loaded with attacking talent. It's a longshot, but could the fourth-place finisher in Spain have a chance to sign Costa this summer?

Then again, there's always PSG.

Thibaut Courtois

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Of the four names in the Sun's story, Courtois is the one with the least transfer chatter surrounding him. Beasley's report indicates that Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are interested in the goalkeeper, just like Hazard.

So, we have a familiar scenario to unpack. Real Madrid, a club with perhaps the highest profile in world football, would be an attractive destination for any player. That's probably the case even for Courtois, who formerly played for rivals Atletico Madrid.

But, as we've seen in previous slides, Real are facing an upcoming transfer ban. That leaves PSG, who have been linked with all three players we've covered so far. Obviously, even a club of PSG's means couldn't buy all three at once.

So who would they choose?

Actually, Courtois might be a good option for the French champions. Kevin Trapp has usurped Salvatore Sirigu as the club's top goalkeeper this season, but Courtois ranks among the world's best at his position. Signing the 23-year-old Belgian would be a clear upgrade.

Verdict: With so little gossip surrounding him, Courtois might be more likely than the others to stay at Chelsea. If he does leave, though, PSG would be a logical landing spot.

Oscar

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Oscar, a creative attacking midfielder, hasn't generated all that much transfer buzz either—at least in terms of the number of teams being linked with him. But for months, speculation has persisted that Juventus are interested in the Brazilian.

In November, the Daily Mail's Simon Jones reported that Juve were interested in both Oscar and Southampton's Graziano Pelle, but added that financial considerations could hamper the Italian club. A month later, Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia) revived the rumor, claiming Chelsea and Juventus were set to hold talks over a possible transfer.

Verdict: If he does leave, Oscar's destination seems certain to be Juventus. The main question might be how much Juve are willing to pay and whether Chelsea could convince them to include Paul Pogba in negotiations.