Chelsea Transfers: 5 Players Mourinho Must Sign To Secure Premier League

4. Alex Sandro

With Mourinho negotiating a deal to send Felipe Luis back to Atletico Madrid, the Blues€™ manager will be short of left back cover. At 24-years-old the Brazilian is fairly young and could replace Luis as second in line to Cesar Azpilicueta€™s position. A forward-thinking style of play sees Sandro venture up field, with quick footwork and futsal-esque skills to beat a man and play a ball to an attacker. The Porto defender is not as defensive-minded as Azpilicueta, but utilises a style of play similar to that of Real Madrid countryman Marcelo. In a role that would see him sit in behind Eden Hazard, Sandro€™s attacking play could allow Hazard to cut inside while still having a man in a wide position to put a cross in the centre. With Branislav Ivanovic at 31-years-old, the veteran defender has only one season remaining on his contract, after which a defensive slot will open if the contract is not extended. This right back gap may be plugged by Azpilicueta, who played this position before Mourinho moved him across to the left, freeing up the left side where Sandro plays. Signing a young and less widely-recognised player as Luis€™ replacement would benefit all concerned parties, with lower transfer fees and a development prospect more than an instant first team player. Felipe Luis is at his peak at 29-years-old, and with Sandro continuing to develop he would suit waiting on the sidelines until he is ready to make the step up. With a number of top sides keeping tabs on Sandro, and only a year remaining on his contract, Porto may cash in this summer to save losing the defender on a free next year. With Chelsea already being turned down by Valencia youngster Jose Luis Gaya, Alex Sandro may be the next target to cover the back line. The club are currently negotiating a deal with Augsberg for full back Abdul Rahman Baba, with a contract agreed, however the German outfit are reluctant to sell and a fee is yet to be agreed.