Transfer targets for Chelsea’s biggest transfer window in club history

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Defence

Chelsea’s defence in the 2015/16 season was an absolute travesty. The stats showcase this. The Blues conceded 53 goals, the most in the Abramovich era and 21 more than the previous 32 conceded in the victorious 2014/15 season.

As a result, Conte will need to tighten up the defence by either bringing in fresh talent or entrusting and promoting youth if he wants to compete for the title right away. Here are three candidates:

Dream: Raphael Varane

Raphael Varane during the International Friendly match between France and Russia held at Stade de France stadium in Paris, France, on March 29, 2016. (Photo by Geoffroy Van der Hasselt/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

In my eyes, Raphael Varane is the best young defender in the world (behind Kurt Zouma of course). He is strong, fast and has defensive attributes that help shape a superstar. Only 23, he already has two Champions League medals under his belt, and has helped played a major role in both Real Madrid and the French National team becoming major defensive forces.

Although I find it hard to see Real Madrid let such a young talent filled with incredible potential leave, Varane is finding it hard to gain regular minutes under Zinedine Zidane, fighting with Pepe and Sergio Ramos for places in the Real backline.

There is a slight possibility that Conte can persuade the Frenchman to team up with his future international partner in Kurt Zouma and, if possible, Abramovich must go all in to help set up our centre-back duo for years to come.

Realistic: Jose Gimenez

MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 12: Luis Suarez (R) of FC Barcelona competes for the ball with Jose Maria Gimenez (L) of Atletico de Madrid during the La Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Vicente Calderon Stadium on September 12, 2015 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) /

Next is a choice that hasn’t been reported on much in the press, but I believe would be a great signing for Chelsea. We are desperately in need of a central defender, a young one with high potential, and the Uruguayan fits this bill perfectly.

Gimenez is 21 and has been playing alongside Diego Godin in the core of an incredible Atletico Madrid defence, keeping 23 clean sheets throughout the season. He will most likely come at a cheaper price than players like John Stones and would be a great player to pair up with Kurt Zouma for the future.

Youth: Andreas Christensen

(Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images) /

January 25, 2015 – Andreas Christensen starts for the Chelsea first team as we lose to Bradford City 4-2 at home in the FA Cup, the worst performance at home in the Abramovich Era

July 10, 2015 – Andreas Christensen joins Borussia Mönchengladbach on a two-year loan deal from Chelsea

June 13, 2016 – Christensen named 4th-placed Borussia Mönchengladbach player of the season

How times change hey? Since going out on loan to the 4th placed German side, the Danish international has become one of the best young centre backs in the world. Whilst Chelsea conceded 53 goals and pleaded for someone to solidify the defence, Christensen’s performances led him to be one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga, even at the young age of 20.

Although he is contracted for one more season on loan at the German club, Chelsea have the option of paying a small fee to Borussia to allow him to return to Stamford Bridge and I strongly believe that Roman must do whatever possible to bring the young Dane back to West London.

Next: Midfield

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