Chelsea can look forward to a summer of change, and with Jose Mourinho apparently returning to the Bridge, here are three players who we think he should be looking at.
Wayne Rooney – Manchester United
Chelsea are in need of a goal-grabbing forward who is comfortable playing up top on his own, much like the departed Didier Drogba. The Ivorian hasn’t been properly replaced since his left west London last summer and although Demba Ba has been a good signing for the Blues, neither him or Fernando Torres have set the league alight in the lone role at Stamford Bridge.
Rooney is chomping at the bit, not in a Luiz Suarez sense, to have a go up front again after he has been deployed in a deeper, wider role recently at Old Trafford. A fresh start could revert him back to the striker we once knew, and a deal of £25m could make that happen.
The 27-year-old has socred 12 goals in 27 league games despite his more defensive role.
Sami Khedira – Real Madrid
One man who has been heavily linked with a move to west London should Mourinho be appointed is Germany international Sami Khedira. He has stapled the Real Madrid midfield together for a number of years now and could be looking for a new challenge as the club go under a summer of transition in the coming months. Khedira’s positioning and intelligence off the ball are huge assets of the 26-year-old and would fit nicely into the squad at the Bridge.
Khedira has played 24 games this term, scoring two goals and creating 18 chances, he has a duel success of 54%, a shot accuracy of 56% and a pass success of 82%.
Pepe – Real Madrid
Not one that has been frequently mentioned now, but Pepe is said to be on the way out of the Santiago Bernabeu this summer as a result of being forced out of favour by Sergio Ramos and Rafael Varane. The Portuguese defender has a reputation for being a bullish, no nonsense defender with a bit of bite about him, perfect for the English leagues, and with his strong relationship with Mourinho and the likes of John Terry declining into oblivion, Blues fans might well see the 30-year-old next season.
He has played 28 games this season and completed 64% of his duels. He has scored a goal and created seven chances, but most importantly has won 73% of his attempted tackles.