Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Juan Cuadrado and Martin Caceres Rumours

Juan Cuadrado has admitted doing everything he could to leave Chelsea during the summer transfer window. The Colombian winger joined Serie A giants Juventus on a three-year loan deal and told JTV (h/t Metro's Chris Davie) how much he wanted the move: "I did everything to come back, and thanks to God I’m here. I’m very happy."

Agreeing an extended loan stint for Cuadrado in Turin represented an about turn for Chelsea. Blues manager Antonio Conte insisted 28-year-old Cuadrado would be part of his Chelsea squad back in July, after spending time with Juventus last season, per Alex Bywater of MailOnline.

Instead, Cuadrado is back in Italy's top flight after rising to prominence with Fiorentina before joining Chelsea in 2015. The South American joined in a £23.3 million move that saw Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah move to Florence.

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Cuadrado's failure to make it in the Premier League was a surprise. After all, he's a versatile performer who combines pace and power with natural flair.

Cuadrado can thrive on both flanks, either as a winger or raiding full-back. It's something that might have made him a key figure under Conte, since the Italian has often favoured a 3-5-2 formation with wing-backs.

The Colombian can also play off the striker, a position where Conte has tried more than one player so far this season. Brazilian Oscar has usually gotten the nod over the creative Cesc Fabregas.

The 28-year-old would have been an invaluable member of Conte's squad. But he's never settled in England's top flight and seems more at home plying his trade in Italy.

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His words upon sealing his extended loan stay with Juve suggest it's just a matter of time before his career at Stamford Bridge is officially declared over.

Blues Face Competition for Martin Caceres

Chelsea aren't the only club interested in free-agent defender Martin Caceres. The Uruguayan has also reportedly attracted interest from a quartet of Premier League clubs.

Southampton, Sunderland, Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion are also keen, according to the Sunday People (h/t David Wright of the Daily Express). The Daily Mirror's Darren Lewis previously revealed how Conte was considering a short loan deal for Caceres, provided he could prove his fitness after a spate of injuries during his final year at Juve.

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The two previously worked together in Turin, and Caceres has the versatility to help a Chelsea defence still suspect in key areas. He can play either as a full-back or a central defender.

Conte seemed to address both positions on deadline day of the summer transfer window. The Chelsea boss signed centre-back David Luiz and full-back Marcos Alonso.

But Lewis believes the Blues manager still wants Caceres, at least as a temporary option: "Should Caceres move to Stamford Bridge he would buy Conte the time to pursue another of his options, Benfica defender Victor Lindelhof, in January."

Being viewed as a short-term option may not appeal to Caceres, though. If not, he's likely to favour a move to a club that can offer more playing time.

Chelsea could have used Cuadrado, while Caceres would also boost Conte's choices at the back. However, both options appear out of the Blues' control and reach.