FIVE players to follow Mehdi Benatia to Chelsea

Chelsea are one of two Premier League clubs reportedly in the hunt for Mehdi Benatia’s signature this summer. The Moroccan centre-back was terrific for Roma last season, helping them to get back into the Champions League after a length absence.

Man City are the other club involved, but Chelsea are ready to do all they can to get in a long-term partner for Gary Cahill as John Terry edges towards the end of his long career.

With David Luiz’s £50m income around, it’s unlikely that Jose will stop with just the signing of Benatia, and here are some names we think could be following him…

Tiago

Chelsea have reportedly agreed a deal with Atletico Madrid for Tiago, in a move that has already surprised most. But there can be little argument for this signing from Chelsea. Tiago had an excellent season for Diego Simeone’s team this season, initially playing second fiddle to Mario Suarez, but then going on to show his value as a veteran midfielder. Tiago knows Chelsea and the Premier League, and as a backup to the fantastic Nemanja Matic, Chelsea are certainly strengthening their charge for the league title next season.

Filipe Luis

It needed Atletico Madrid to have a good season in the Champions League and perhaps even to reach the final for Filipe Luis’ talents to be recognised. Regular viewers of La Liga have long labelled him this bets all-round left-back in the league, and it’s still shocking that Luiz Felipe Scolari opted against selecting him for the Brazil squad this summer. But with a replacement now needed for Ashley Cole, there are few better candidates across Europe than Atletico’s Filipe Luis.

Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba looked to be on his way to Juventus, but that deal has reportedly hit the rocks. Drogba was said to be a target for Mourinho leading up to this summer’s transfer window, and with an overhaul of the club’s striking department taking place, bringing in Drogba would be a wise move. Drogba has taken a step down in European football since leaving Chelsea in 2012, joining Galatasaray, but he competed with the Turkish side in last season’s Champions League, and the fact Juventus were interested shows Drogba can still cut it at the highest level.

Paulinho

Paulinho emerged as a shock target for Chelsea towards the end of the season, mostly because of the indifferent season the Brazilian had at White Hart Lane. But there may be something Mourinho likes in the midfielder. He’s generally performed well when playing for hi national team, and despite the disappointing season at Tottenham, Mourinho should be able to bring the best out of the 25-year-old. Tottenham will surely want to resist a sale, but if Chelsea come in with a large sum of money, say in excess of £20 million, they may be tempted to sell.

Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtois may already be on Chelsea’s books, but the Belgian international’s future remains uncertain. Courtois has been one of the best goalkeepers in Europe for the past couple of seasons and has helped Atletico Madrid conquer La Liga, missing out narrowly on a league and European Cup double. But despite the experience of Petr Cech, there is no better time for Chelsea to make the transition from one to the other. Courtois may return to Atletico next season, but in the best interest of Mourinho’s team and his ambitions on the league title, Courtois should finally line up for his parent club in competitive play.

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