Chelsea target Koke, Paul Pogba and Cesc Fabregas as possible replacements for Frank Lampard

 
Targets: Koke, Paul Pogba and Cesc Fabregas are all
Simon Johnson3 June 2014

Chelsea are targeting a host of top class European midfielders to replace the outgoing Frank Lampard.

With Lampard, Ashley Cole and David Luiz departing, the Blues have removed £400,000-a-week from their wage bill, so have already raised significant funds to spend on replacements.

Chelsea have been strongly linked with a £30million move for former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas after Barcelona told the midfielder he was for sale.

While he is on the short-list and is an attractive proposition because he counts as a home-grown player due to his eight years at Arsenal, it is understood Chelsea are pursuing other targets first.

They are prepared to fight it out with Barcelona for Atletico Madrid’s creative midfielder Koke. Barca are favourites for his signature although the 22-year-old has suggested he is happy to stay at the Vicente Calderon.

Another ambitious target is Juventus’ Paul Pogba. The Italian club do not want to sell but would want in excess of £40m if the midfielder pushed through a move.

Fabregas wants to return to the Premier League and a number of clubs claim they are out of the running, including Arsenal.

But if Chelsea were to step up their bid for the 27-year-old then Manchester City and Manchester United will firm up their interest in the player.

Chelsea’s relationship with Atletico is a strong one and will help with any negotiations for Koke.

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A £32m deal for Diego Costa has been agreed, while talks are ongoing for Filipe Luis and out-of-contract Tiago Mendes.

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