Chelsea linked to Isco, Asensio and Lewandowski on repeat

There are several rumors from less reliable sources about Isco, Marco Asensio and Robert Lewandowski coming to Chelsea. Is there any fire to all the smoke?

Generally, unless a rumor comes from a reputable source, it can be disregarded. And usually the rumors with nothing in them fade fairly quickly. But occasionally, a rumor keeps going and going below the reputable sources. Those are the types of rumors that could have a small inkling of truth.

Chelsea currently find themselves attached to three such rumors. Links to Isco, Marco Ascensio and Robert Lewandowski have continued for several weeks now. No trustworthy source has touched them, but their mere longevity makes them interesting. There could be something in them.

Isco and Asensio have been the strongest links. And on paper, that makes sense with the Eden Hazard to Real Madrid rumors. If Hazard were to go to Madrid, his minutes could come from those taken away from Isco and Asensio. Thus, they are the most expendable. They could even be sweeteners for a Hazard deal.

Both would be excellent additions. Isco has had a hard time at Real Madrid, but he is still a quality player. Antonio Conte, or potential replacement Luis Enrique, both need a player of his skill set in the squad.

Ascensio is a harder rumor to buy in to. He is only 22 and was regarded as one of the future best as recent as last summer. He has not fully hit it off this campaign (but neither have Madrid). It would be an odd decision to swap him for Hazard even if Hazard is more ready made.

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Chelsea would be well served by the deal. The Spaniard is not on Hazard’s level yet, but he has shown all the promise to make that level within two or three years at most.

Then there is the Robert Lewandowski rumor. The Polish striker is supposedly looking for a new challenge. At 29, he only has one more big move left in him. Chelsea, with their striker woes, have been linked. It also helps that Lewandowski is the exact model of striker that Conte would want. Even if Conte is not at the club after the summer, any manager would love to have Lewandowski.

His connection seems to be based on a few factors. Primarily, Real Madrid. If Real Madrid pursue other targets, that opens the door for Chelsea. His age is his only negative trait, but he has a style that will age well and he is arguably the world’s best striker (or just behind Luis Suarez).

These rumors only exist out of unreputable sources. But even those sources pass on a story when there is nothing to it. These rumors have persisted which may mean that there is something to them.

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They are all still longshots, but longshots that could be possible. After all, the Neymar to Paris Saint Germain rumors started in the same way.