CHELSEA TRANSFER RUMOURS: Modric, Lewandowski, Schurrle and Sturridge Involved In Recent Speculation

Chelsea continue to be one of the most referenced clubs in this summer's transfer speculation, despite already spending close to £40 million on new talent during the transfer window. According to the latest reports, Chelsea could be turning to Germany for their next captures.

The Daily Mail claims that the Blues are now firmly in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski. The powerful Pole hit 22 league goals last season as his club retained their Bundesliga crown. His fine breakthrough season was then capped as he netted the opening goal of Euro 2012 for the co-hosts, although was left disappointed by his country's failure to make it beyond the group phase.

According to the Mail, Lewandowski, 23, could be available for close to £20 million. Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United are also said to be interested.

Despite having already signed attacking midfielders Marko Marin and Eden Hazard, Chelsea continue to be linked to Bayer Leverkusen's Andre Schurrle. Like both Marin and Hazard, Schurrle has spent much of his time operating as a left-sided offensive midfielder, though he can also operate up front.

Unlike countryman Marin, though, Schurrle was a part of Germany's Euro 2012 squad, making just the one start in the quarterfinal win over Greece.

The Press Association reports that Chelsea have turned their long mooted interest into a bid of over £16 million. But Leverkusen chief executive, Wolfgang Holzhauser, says that, as things stand, Schurrle will be going nowhere.

We were presented with a very concrete offer from Chelsea for Andre of beyond the €20 million mark, Holzhauser, was quoted as saying by German news agency SID. The sum was pushed back and forth between the two clubs. We ultimately chose Andre.

Andre is very valuable for us. He has also made it clear he would like to stay with us.

It also looks increasingly likely that Chelsea will miss out on another longstanding target in Luka Modric. Although the Daily Mail reported over the weekend that the Blues are now firmly back in the race for the Croatian, following their failed attempts to sign him last season, Modric looks to be Madrid-bound.

Spanish publication AS, with close links to Real, reports that Modric now has his sights firmly set on a move to the Bernabeu, with personal terms already having been agreed. All that is left to conclude a deal is for Real to finalize a financial package with Tottenham. According to AS, Real are prepared to include defender Ricardo Carvalho as part-exchange in order to force through the transfer.

With more arrivals likely, though, Chelsea have already allowed several squad members to leave this summer. And more could yet follow suit. One player potentially up for grabs is forward Daniel Sturridge. The England international enjoyed a regular run in the first team under Andre Villas-Boas last season, but found his opportunities limited once Roberto Di Matteo took the reins at Stamford Bridge. There is little surprise then that Villas Boas is thought to be looking to reunite with 22-year-old Sturridge, at Spurs. The Daily Mail claims that Spurs' opening offer of £5 million is likely to be rejected.