Chelsea FC: 10 Signings the Blues Need for 2011-12
2010-11 was a season to forget at Stamford Bridge. No silverware and a change at manager offers up many questions for next season.
The Blues are a strong but aging team. Talent and depth in the squad that finished second in the Premier League last season needs to be improved. Chelsea were decimated by injuries throughout the November and December stretch that saw a historical run of poor form that ultimately cost the Blues the title.
Undoubtedly, big names will depart in the summer, and the ruthless Russian billionaire will have money to spend on some of the most famous prospects in world football. Here are some potential signings that could pay dividends at the Bridge next season so Roman Abramovich can finally obtain his elusive Champions League title.
These signings could offer depth and take some of the strain off the shoulders of the Chelsea stars that are expected to play 90 minutes every game. This rest could in turn lead to fewer injuries. These transfers are of the utmost importance with injury and age becoming so prevalent.
Javier Pastore
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Javier Pastore has been phenomenal at Palermo this season.
The 21-year-old Argentine midfielder is rumored to be on his way out, so Palermo can attempt to balance their budget. Pastore is only two seasons into his five-year deal.
Pastore led Palermo in scoring with 11 goals this season with 35 appearances in Serie A.
Mats Hummels
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The German center back is widely regarded as one of the best young defenders in the world.
His partnership with Neven Subotic at Dortmund was the best defense in Bundesliga this season. The dynamic duo helped Borussia secure it's seventh German title.
The Bayern youth product is on the wish list of some of the biggest clubs in the world.
Wesley Sneijder
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The Dutch midfielder is the heart and soul of the creativity going forward for Inter Milan. It's unlikely Massimo Moratti would transfer his highly coveted superstar, but lately, Sneijder has been linked with a move to England, most notably for Manchester United.
Neymar
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The Brazilian has been heavily linked with the Blues already.
If he can live up to half of the hype surrounding his name and comparisons thus far in his young career, it'd be a tremendous success. It remains to be seen if the transfer speculation is true.
Sergio Aguero
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Sergio Aguero has been linked with Chelsea football club for what seems to be a decade.
Yet another in long high profile list of prolific strikers. Would Aguero want to play in London and reunite with Fernando Torres? That remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure. "El Kun" is the total package. He's got pace, technical ability, and he's a clinical finisher.
Even though he recently renewed his contract with Atletico, speculation continues to swirl about the 22-year-old's future and his commitment to his club in Madrid.
Lassana Diarra
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Lassana Diarra with a shock return to the Bridge?.. I know, highly unlikely right? Maybe not...
With Madrid just signing Nuri Sahin and also having Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira at their disposal for the defensive/holding midfield role, this makes Lass expendable. He will be on the market and has already played at Chelsea.
Diarra has also admitted in the past that he "loves London." The Blues could use his experience paired with his rugged defense and tackling.
This could take tremendous pressure off Essien and John Obi Mikel in that similar role. The only problem is, Diarra would want to be in the first team frequently, and I don't know how realistic that is. Nevertheless, he would be a great signing for their depth in the defensive midfield.
Fabio Coentrao
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The Benfica defender has been heavily linked with Real Madrid lately. However,Chelsea have a strong history of signing Portugese defenders, and he is by no means flying under the radar.
He primarily plays left back but has an eye for goal pushing up the left flank. Ashley Cole may be the best left back in the world, but he is also about to turn 31 in December.
The 23-year-old Portugese defender could be a vital investment for the future and could learn a lot from the Chelsea veterans.
Moussa Sow
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Sow is one year into his three-year deal with French Champions Lille. Sow was one of the key contributers scoring 25 goals in 35 games last season leading Ligue 1.
The 25-year-old Senegalese striker has many of Europe's top clubs inquiring about his availability this summer.
Sergio Canales
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The young Real Madrid star would be superb fit in West London. He hasn't figured much into Jose Mourinho's scheme in the crowded midfield of the Spanish Capital. He could possibly be on his way out in the summer.
The former Racing Santander product has lately been rumored to be on his way to Villarreal. A move to the EPL would be unlikely, but everyone has their price.
Gervinho
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The Ivorian winger impressed in South Africa last summer and had a very productive campaign with Lille scoring 14 goals. Lately he's been connected with Arsene Wenger at the Emirates to possibly join the Gunners this summer.
But the thought of Gervinho joining his compatriots Didier Drogba and Saloman Kalou at the Bridge doesn't seem out of the question or highly unlikely.
Romelu Lukaku
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He's already been dubbed the next Drogba. That's all you really need to know about the Belgian striker. He's 18 years old, and every prestigious club in the world is looking for his signature.
Last season, he was effecient scoring 19 goals in 40 starts for Anderlecht. Chelsea has a leg up to sign the young superstar being that his idol is Didier Drogba.
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