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Chelsea have the opportunity to finish the 2020-21 season in outstanding fashion, with Blues set to face Leicester City in the FA Cup final and a victory against Real Madrid away from booking their spot in the UEFA Champions League final. Thomas Tuchel's arrival has breathed new life into the club, as they look to kickstart a new era and win trophies under the German.
The Blues splashed the cash last summer and are likely to do so once again, with reports suggesting that Tuchel is set to be backed with a transfer war chest by Roman Abramovich.
Tuchel could look to fine-tune his Chelsea squad this summer
The former Paris Saint-Germain coach has already proved that he can achieve great things and seems like the perfect manager to deliver results in the short term, while also keeping in mind the long-term interests of the club.
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There is currently a perfect blend of youth and experience at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea are still a couple of signings away from having a perfect squad that would allow them to compete on all fronts.
On that note, here are five players who have been linked with summer moves to the Premier League giants.
#5 Gabriel Menino | Palmeiras
Palmeiras midfielder Gabriel Menino has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, as he looks to move on to greener pastures this summer. The 20-year-old is hailed as one of Brazil's most exciting talents and is also capable of playing as a right-back, making him an interesting prospect for the Blues.
Menino has already been called up to Brazil's senior team by Tite and is set to have a bright future in the game. Chelsea have signed several young players over the years with varying degrees of success, but the Brazilian looks like quite the player and is reportedly close to becoming Tuchel's first signing at the club.
#4 Declan Rice | West Ham United
Chelsea were involved in a drawn-out transfer saga involving Declan Rice last summer, as they fought tooth and nail to secure his signature from West Ham. However, the Hammers refused to part with their prized asset, so the midfielder decided to stay at the club for the 2020-21 season.
However, at the end of the current campaign, things could change. Rice has enjoyed another stunning season in the Premier League and is also a key player for the England national team. Primarily a defensive midfielder, he is also capable of playing as a central defender and is set for a big-money move this summer.
Manchester United are reportedly keeping tabs on him, so Chelsea might not have a free run at him and might need to blow the Red Devils out of the offer to secure his signature.
#3 Gianluigi Donnarumma | AC Milan
Gianluigi Donnarumma's contract expires at the end of the season and he is no closer to penning an extension with AC Milan. The 22-year-old goalkeeper has been heavily linked with Chelsea and Juventus and could be one of the deals of the season on a free transfer.
The Italian has been around for quite a while and is incredibly experienced for someone his age. He is one of the best young goalkeepers in the world is reportedly looking to play UEFA Champions League football next season, with AC Milan yet to confirm their participation in the competition.
Chelsea are likely to be in the UCL next season and could well be Donnarumma's next club if AC Milan are unable to meet his demands in the coming weeks.
#2 Erling Haaland | Borussia Dortmund
Thomas Tuchel knows the Bundesliga inside out and could well be set to raid his former club for their crown jewel this summer. Erling Haaland has attracted interest from pretty much every big club on the planet this summer, but Chelsea are reportedly ready to launch an audacious bid for him, should he be allowed to leave the club.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest, with the Norwegian goal machine currently one of the most sought-after players in world football. Haaland's €75 million release clause only kicks in next summer, so interested parties will have to meet Dortmund's exorbitant asking price if they are to sign him this year.
#1 Raphael Varane | Real Madrid
Chelsea could send shockwaves across Europe with the capture of Raphael Varane, with the Frenchman edging closer to an exit after failing to agree an extension with Real Madrid. After spending nearly a decade at the Santiago Bernabeu and winning every trophy in club football, the central defender is reportedly on the lookout for a new challenge this summer.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said earlier this month that Varane will be allowed to leave if he doesn't sign a new contract, sparking speculation about his future. When quizzed on the subject, Varane remained coy on his future and refused to give much away ahead of Real Madrid's UCL showdown against Chelsea.
Once again, Manchester United have also been linked with the 28-year-old, so Chelsea don't have too much time to waste if they're serious about securing his signature.
