Title push for Chelsea?

Russian spending strengthens blues

After a disappointing first season in England for former Porto manager Andre Villas Boas, the Portuguese was removed from his position as Chelsea manager and replaced by assistant, and former player, Roberto Di Matteo. The caretaker manager guided his team to a sixth FA cup win, and finally wining the coveted UEFA Champions League. However, despite the cup double - Chelsea, a perennial title challenger, struggled in the league and only managing a disappointing sixth place finish. They qualified for next seasons Champions League by virtue of being the defending champions, at the cost of London rival's Tottenham, who will be forced to compete in next seasons Europa League instead.

Switzerland born Italian Di Matteo has a herculean task ahead of him to defend the two cups his team holds, and improve in the Premier League itself. The London outfit have a talented squad, including Euro 2012 winners Fernando Torres and Juan Mata, the Czech Republics world glass Goalkeeping star Petr Cech, and arguably one of the best left back in the world in Ashley Cole. However, if they want to get back on track and compete with oil-rich Manchester City and experienced Manchester United - owner Roman Abromavich clearly believes that what they have simply isn't enough.

Chelsea have already spent big, bringing in Belgian playmaker Eden Hazard for 32m - but this appears to be just the start for Di Matteo's side, with the Italian, newly installed as Chelsea's permanent manager, having his eye on some of world football's most expensive talents. Rumours linking Chelsea to marquee moves for Europa League cup holder's Athletico Madrid's Falcao - as well as Porto's colossal forward Hulk have been going on for some time. Chelsea's pursuit of Hulk has somewhat cooled, with Porto reportedly wanting a fee in the region of £40m, a cost the Di Matteo clearly does not agree with. As for Radamel Falcao, there is still possibility of Chelsea signing one of the hottest strikers in Europe - especially since Athletico are reportedly suffering financially - and Falcao may need to be sold on to fund moves to elsewhere strengthen the overall squad. Chelsea may find stiff competition fom rivals Tottenham Hotspurs, however - with the lilywhite's new manager Villas Boas keen to link up with the young Columbian forward he managed while in charge at Porto.

While Spur's may very well manage to take the striker from the nose of the Champions League winners, Chelsea may be comforted by the fact they appear to be set to do the very same thing to their close rivals. Internacional's Brazilian midfielder Oscar has been the subject of interest€25 million (£19.6m) from both London clubs, but more recent reports have him more likely to more to Chelsea, in a deal worth upwards of £23m. Chelsea have allegedly already had a £19.6m offer for the player rejected, with the club wanting more money from the big spending Londoners. With the creative talents of Eden Hazard, Juan Mata, Frank Lampard, as well as youngster Gael Kakuta and new 8m signing Marko Marin already present at the club - it remains to be seen if Chelsea are willing to spend big to bring another Brazilian to aid in their title challenge.