Chelsea Transfer News: Sergio Ramos Deal Targeted, Zlatan Ibrahimovic Rumours

Chelsea are reportedly hoping to replace Branislav Ivanovic with Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos. 

According to Roberto Maida of Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (h/t Metro's Max Miller), the Blues have "offered" the Serbian to Roma as they attempt to clear the way for Ramos' arrival.

The Spaniard has transitioned into a centre-back in recent years, but he spent much of his early career as a right-back, so he could replace Ivanovic directly or fill in centrally if needed.

Ramos has not been at his best this season amid a difficult campaign for Real Madrid, and his discipline, as ever, has been an issue.

The 30-year-old has been sent off twice, including in El Clasico at the start of April. As Sky Sports Statto demonstrated, Ramos has a history when it comes to red cards:

Illustrator Dan Leydon and football journalist Dermot Corrigan were among many to mock his disciplinary record:

Ramos was also fortunate not to cost his team further, as Corrigan revealed:

That said, according to Squawka, the Spaniard has managed to make 69 interceptions, 75 clearances, 19 blocks and win 74 per cent of his headed duels in 19 Primera Division appearances this season.

His experience with Real Madrid and on the international stage as a regular for Spain as they won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and two UEFA European Championships on either side ensures he would still make a strong signing.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Further, the normally solid Ivanovic has been some way below his best this season. However, the 32-year-old signed a one-year contract extension in January, and Ramos is Real's captain, so both Ivanovic's departure and Ramos' arrival seem somewhat unlikely.

Chelsea might have more success in landing Zlatan Ibrahimovic—that is, if manager Louis van Gaal remains at Manchester United, according to Sky Sports News HQ:

"

BREAKING: Sky Sources: @PSG_inside's @Ibra_official interested in move to @ManUtd if manager Louis Van Gaal leaves club this summer. #SSNHQ

— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) April 11, 2016"

In March, French outlet Foot Mercato (h/t Metro's Jamie Sanderson) reported the Blues had offered the striker a two-year deal after he revealed he would be departing Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, with United and Arsenal also linked.

Christophe Ena/Associated Press

If United keep Van Gaal, Chelsea might have one less rival for his signature. Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol gave further insight into Ibrahimovic's relationship with Van Gaal by sharing a snippet from the Swede's autobiography, I Am Zlatan Ibrahimovic:

The Blues' forward options beyond Diego Costa consist of Loic Remy, Radamel Falcao and Alexandre Pato, and the latter two are simply loan signings who aren't likely to be around next season, so reinforcements are undoubtedly needed.

Ibrahimovic has bagged 39 goals for Les Parisiens this season—more than twice as many as Costa has scored for Chelsea—so he'd be an excellent signing.

Despite Chelsea's struggles this season, the Stamford Bridge faithful have likely relished watching United stutter under Van Gaal and will be hopeful he'll remain at Old Trafford.

Now, Chelsea fans have another reason to hope Van Gaal stays put.