Chelsea FC: Potential Signings in the 2011 Summer Transfer Window
The question of who will replace Carlo Ancelotti still remains at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is sure to appoint a big name in the next few days. Whether this be Hiddink, Van Basten, Redknapp or another of the world’s most prestigious managers will be confirmed soon; however, another huge talking point of Chelsea’s summer, as it usually is, will be who they sign.
Previous summers have seen Chelsea spend extraordinary sums of money to bring the best players to West London, including the likes of Didier Drogba, Michael Essien and Andriy Shevchenko. Recently, the club have not chose to spend as extravagantly; however, the January signings of Fernando Torres and David Luiz, costing a combined total of over £70 million, seem to have sparked a new era of big-money moves at Stamford Bridge. Who will they buy this summer?
1)Kaka
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The former FIFA World Player of the Year has had a tough time at Real Madrid since joining for a then world record £56 million fee. He has struggled to have much playing time after a long-term knee problem was operated on at the end of his first season there, keeping him out of action for the next eight months. He showed glimpses of returning to his best towards the end of last season, most notably scoring two goals in a 6-3 win over Valencia. However, the competition for places in midfield is high at the Bernabeu, with players like Mesut Ozil and Xabi Alonso making it difficult for Kaka to earn a place in the starting eleven.
Rumours have been suggesting for some time that Kaka is ready to move to England this summer, with Chelsea reportedly in a battle with Manchester City to secure the Brazilian’s signature. Could he provide the creative spark needed in a midfield trio alongside Frank Lampard and Michael Essien?
2)Neymar
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Another Brazilian; in this case, a potential superstar rather than a proven one. At just 19 years of age, Neymar is one of the hottest talents in world soccer and has a fantastic goal-scoring record at his current club Santos, the team that Pele spent the majority of his illustrious career. Neymar has also scored three goals in three games for the national side, including two in a friendly against Scotland at the Emirates Stadium.
A bid of around £17 million was reportedly offered by Chelsea for the forward last summer, and his quickly-improving reputation may convince Abramovich to increase his offer this time around to land Neymar before other European clubs become interested. He may be looked at as a partner for Fernando Torres in the Chelsea attack, with Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka both rumoured to be on their way out of Stamford Bridge in the near future.
3)Sergio Aguero
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An alternative partner for Torres could be Sergio “Kun” Aguero. The Argentine forward will be difficult for his club Atletico Madrid to hang on to this summer, as he has stated his desire to move to away from the Vicente Calderon.
With 20 league goals to his name, Aguero has had his most prolific season yet. He has been the perfect partner for Diego Forlan at Atletico because of his willingness and ability to play as the deeper forward in the front two, a similar position to that of Steven Gerrard behind Fernando Torres whilst the Spaniard was scoring for fun at Anfield in the 2008/09 season. If Drogba and Anelka are to leave, Aguero may be the first-choice replacement.
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4) Luka Modric
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After Tottenham’s failure to qualify for the Champions League for the upcoming season, Modric may be prepared to leave the North London club to play at the highest level.
Predominantly used in the centre of midfield, Modric is capable of playing as an advanced or deep-lying playmaker and has the ability to dictate the tempo of the game with his creativity and passing ability. Should Kaka not move to Chelsea this summer, Modric may be another candidate to become the creative midfielder Chelsea have lacked since the departure of Deco last year.
5)Wesley Sneijder
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The Dutch genius is still only 26 years of age, but his achievements wouldn’t show it. He has already won league titles in three different countries with Ajax, Real Madrid and Inter Milan; the latter being his current club, and it was there that he won Champions League under Jose Mourinho.
His impressive club record is matched by his performances for his country. In their last two major tournaments, he has won the Man of the Match award in six out of 11 matches and was selected in the Team of the Tournament for both these competitions—Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup. In the World Cup last summer, he won the Silver Ball behind Diego Forlan for the tournament’s best player and was also the joint-highest goal-scorer with five goals alongside Thomas Muller and David Villa.
Abramovich is not shy of signing this calibre of player, even if a huge fee is required. Reports suggest Sneijder could be allowed to leave Inter for a fee of around £40 million, and this could tempt Abramovich in his quest to bring the Champions League to Stamford Bridge.
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