Three transfer targets for Chelsea this summer

Chelsea are in real danger of finishing outside the top four spots for the first time in nearly nine years. They might find themselves playing in the Europa League next season. The urgency of injection of fresh legs into the team cannot be stressed enough. With wealthy owner Roman Abramovich backing the Blues, it is up to them to add to the squad with new signings, ones who will impact their season positively.

1. LUKA MODRIC

Can he spur the team on?

WHY: Mata has infused some real creativity into the side with some terrific playmaking. But he clearly needs a creative partner who will complement his style, and aid the strikers. In every successful club, there has been a pairing of two creative midfielders. Xavi and Iniesta at Barcelona, Ozil and Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid, Song and Ramsey at Arsenal. But Chelsea lack that extra creativeness.

HOW WILL HE IMPACT CHELSEA: Modric brings that extra oomph into the side. His playmaking ability is extraordinary. This little Croatian manages to find spaces into which he can deliver perfect balls. He has been pulling the strings for Tottenham this season. A plus point is his experience in playing in the Premier League, which comes in handy when dictating the tempo of a game. There has already been a massive transfer tussle for his signature, so if Modric wishes to expand his portfolio, he will be always welcome in the Chelsea side where a player of his calibre is in great demand.

COST : 35-40 million

OTHER OPTIONS: Eden Hazard, Younnes Belhanda,Shinji Kagawa, Thiago Alcantara

2. JAN VERTONGHEN

Can he stabilise Chelsea's back four?

WHY: With John Terry not getting any younger, reinforcements are needed at the back. Although David Luiz and Cahill form a strong partnership, both are not composed and consistent enough to churn out match-winning performances day-in day-out. Plus there is the need for back-up in case of fatigue or injuries.

HOW WILL HE IMPACT CHELSEA: Vertonghen has been lauded by the media as being one of the few exponents of the dying art of ‘Total Football’. He can play anywhere, from being a centre back, to being a left back or as a central midfielder. He is very comfortable on the ball. His tackling and positioning are first-class. There is no doubt that he will fit seamlessly into the Chelsea squad. Still only 24 years of age, he has a bright future ahead of him.

COST: 15-20 million

OTHER OPTIONS: Mamadou Sakho, Raphael Varane , Mats Hummels

3. EDISON CAVANI

Can he bang in the goals for Chelsea?

WHY:Gone are the days when Chelsea were a free-scoring side. They have found goals hard to come by nowadays, with a natural finisher missing among their ranks. Drogba is set to leave in the summer, Torres has lost that goalscoring touch, and Sturridge is being played on the wing. A natural finisher would do them a lot of good, propelling them up the table.

HOW WILL HE IMPACT CHELSEA: The Blues experienced his incredible talents first-hand when they faced Napoli in the Champions League. Alongside the likes of Van Persie and Mario Gomez, this Uruguayan is in red-hot form over the past few seasons. Ever since his move to Naples in 2010, he has formed a deadly partnership with Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi and has conssitently found the back of the net. With Mata, Modric (if he does come), Lampard and the wingers to feed him, there is no saying how many goals he will score. A real coup if Chelsea do manage to buy him.

COST : 40-45 million

OTHER OPTIONS: Gonzalo Higuain, Hulk, Demba Ba