CHELSEA TRANSFER RUMOURS [VIDEOS]: Hulk, Maicon... Five Players Who Could Still Arrive this Summer
After becoming champions of Europe for the first time in their history, Chelsea have shown no sign of resting on their laurels. Instead the success looks to have rejuvenated owner Roman Abramovich's desire to not only see the Blues win trophies but do so in an attractive style that befits how he likes to see the game played.
Of course, it will also not have gone unnoticed by the powers that be at Stamford Bridge that last season's side finished a dismal sixth in the Premier League. Given the outlay on the squad, and despite their success in Europe, that position is unacceptable for the club.
Even before Roberto Di Matteo had been appointed as the permanent manager, Chelsea went about attempting to ensure that they would be at the forefront of the challengers for the major competitions next season.
Capitalizing on the new status bequeathed on them by their Champions League triumph, Chelsea made a major statement by snapping up one of this summer's hottest properties, Eden Hazard. Together with Marko Marin, he should add an extra creative element to the side next season.
It appears Chelsea and Abramovich are far from finished with their efforts to build a side capable of dominating at home and abroad. Here's a look at five players who could yet add to Chelsea's fans anticipation for next season.
Oscar
The attacking midfielder has been deemed the new Kaka and will feature prominently in Brazil's plans for the Olympics as the country prepares a squad capable of winning the 2014 World Cup at home. Tottenham were thought to be close to signing the Internacional star, but Chelsea made a late swoop and now look poised to complete a deal.
Reports claim that a €25 million fee has been agreed for the 20 year-old.
Andre Schurrle
Despite having already signed fellow offensive German talent Marko Marin this summer, Chelsea appear determined to secure Andre Schurrle. The 21-year-old international has operated mainly on the left, though he is also capable of playing as a central striker. A part of Germany's squad for Euro 2012 he is seen as one of the country's brightest young prospects.
Bayer Leverkusen rejected a £16 million bid recently, but Chelsea look set to return with an offer of £20 million that may well be enough for the Blues to get their man.
Maicon
Although they have splashed out major sums on Paulo Ferreira and Jose Bosingwa in recent years, Chelsea have long failed to find a consistently top performer at right-back. Branislav Ivanovic has done admirably when often called upon, but remains more adept to a role in the center of defense.
Chelsea's issues with the right side of their back line could be solved this summer with reports that they are in talks to sign Inter's Maicon. Though the Brazilian has faded from his standing as one of the best in his position in the world two seasons ago, he could still be an excellent capture for the Blues.
Hulk
Chelsea have chased the Brazilian for several months but have been frustrated by Porto's refusal to budge from their high asking price. The pacey Brazilian with a rasping left-foot is seen as potentially the man to provide a devastating threat cutting in from the right of a front three at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea may be dragging things out hoping Porto relent, but other options also appear to have been considered. An offer has reportedly been made for Wigan's Victor Moses, while the Blues could also take advantage of Theo Walcott's precarious contract situation at Arsenal.
Robert Lewandowski
Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski is the latest striker to be linked with potentially filling the cavernous void left by Didier Drogba's departure from Stamford Bridge. While Fernando Torres has been given assurances about his role within the squad, it remains likely that Di Matteo will seek a top-class alternative to the still-struggling Spaniard.
Lewandowski is coming off a fine season with the German double winners and would seem like an attainable option. Even Chelsea may struggle to secure potentially massive deals for either Atletico Madrid's Radamel Falco or Napoli's Edinson Cavani.
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