Chelsea owner hopes spending spree to bring European dominance
Published:Seen by Roman Abramovich as the Holy Grail, Chelsea’s Champions League success on Saturday represented the greatest achievement of his nine-year tenure at Stamford Bridge.
In the immediate aftermath of the victory though, Abramovich cited a will to achieve four Champions League titles with the Blues.
With that in mind, it should be no surprise to see Chelsea linked with a host of leading European talents, all of which would be primed to decrease the average age of the squad.
Lille winger Eden Hazard, Porto forward Hulk, and Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao are thought to be amongst their leading targets, with Abramovich willing to part with significant cash to land such sought-after talent.
Chelsea’s ‘old guard’ were prominent in their European triumph of the weekend, but after finishing 25 points off the pace in the Premier League last term, the need for a larger, younger squad has become apparent.
Therefore, 21-year-old Hazard appears an ideal signing, though the Blues face competition from Manchester City and Manchester United for the electric winger’s services.
Hazard would cost in the region of £30million, and although a move to England appears almost certain for the Belgian, his final destination remains unknown.
Brazil forward Hulk is an equally interesting proposition for Chelsea meanwhile, with the Porto attacker known to be keen on a Stamford Bridge switch after his agent was seen in Munich on Saturday night.
Finally, Atletico Madrid’s powerful forward Falcao leads Chelsea’s wishlist, and the physical 26-year-old could prove the perfect replacement for the outgoing Didier Drogba.
Drogba hit the winning penalty to secure the Champions League for Chelsea, and the iconic forward’s style of play is replicated in that of Colombian powerhouse Falcao.
The ex-Porto striker averages more than a goal per game in Europa League competition, and would likely welcome the opportunity to step up and compete against Europe’s elite in next year’s Champions League.
He is valued at a massive £50million.
