Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho gave the world an insight into his transfer plans earlier this week by revealing that he wants to sign THREE players this summer.
The Special One confirmed that he wants to add a defender, a midfielder and a striker to his squad as the Blues look to defend their Premier League title next season.
Below, fanatix identifies Mourinho’s three top targets and why they are set for Stamford Bridge.
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Defender: Toby Alderweireld
The 24-year-old made a great impression in the Premier League during his season-long loan spell at Southampton last season.
The Saints retain the option to buy Alderweireld on a permanent basis, but his parent club Atletico Madrid are considering buying out that clause in order to open up the bidding for the sought-after Belgian.
Mourinho is thought to be a fan of his versatility, with Alderweireld able to operate both in the centre and on the right-hand side of defence, as well as in a holding midfield role.
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are also thought to be interested in the former Ajax star, but Chelsea appear to be the favourites as they could offer Atletico Filipe Luis in return.
Midfielder: Gianelli Imbula
The Blues have seemingly turned their attention to the Marseille destroyer after sliding down the queue to sign Paul Pogba.
Stamford Bridge bosses have seemingly conceded that a mega-money move for the Juventus midfielder could push them over Financial Fair Play boundaries, during an off-season in which they are unlikely to recoup much from player sales.
Imbula is a cheaper alternative and the path for his signature has been cleared by Spurs reportedly dropping their interest. He does not have as great an attacking influence as Pogba, but his physicality, ball-playing ability and discipline in midfield would appeal to Mourinho.
The 22-year-old has been labelled ‘the next Claude Makelele’ – and we all know how much of a hit he was in West London.
Striker: Radamel Falcao
Mourinho seems poised to give the Colombian, who bombed during a loan spell at Manchester United last season, another chance to prove that he is still one of the best number nines in the world.
The Red Devils turned down the opportunity to sign the 29-year-old on a permanent basis from AS Monaco, but Falcao is still desperately looking to leave the Ligue 1 side for a bigger European club.
Chelsea need a striker to replace Didier Drogba and provide genuine competition for Diego Costa. The Falcao of 2012 would most certainly do that, and Mourinho has already vowed to get him back to his best.
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