Goal.com Summer Shopping: Who Should Chelsea Buy?

During his interim stint as Chelsea coach, Guus Hiddink put the proverb 'one man's trash is another man's treasure' into practice. Out of the woodwork came the real Didier Drogba, finally forming that long-awaited on-pitch bond with Nicolas Anelka. Branislav Ivanovic came to the table; Ashley Cole, Alex and Florent Malouda found a reason to get out of bed in the morning.

If new boss Carlo Ancelotti can sustain some of that momentum, add a couple of choice signings and cut the right stragglers loose – as well as get his point across in English – then surely this revitalised outfit won't need major surgery.

There are more building blocks in place than most realised before the late resurgence at the tail end of the season just ended. Much depends on how much cash will be floating around. Many hot talents have been credited with Chelsea interest on the back pages, thus much depends on the ambition of the club beaks.

IN (3):

Daniel Sturridge (Manchester City): The youngster isn't going to be a bargain, despite his expiring contract – a £10 million 'development fee', or compensation just below that would be necessary. Then factor in his £50,000-a-week wages and he looks like a 'real' signing, and not the can't-lose gamble he appears at first glance. Nevertheless, he's shown fleetingly at Eastlands that he's going to become a quality player, with more than enough power and subtlety to succeed in the Chelsea front line.

The other option is, of course, Alexandre Pato, Milan's outstanding rising star, who could be tempted to follow Ancelotti to west London. The Brazilliant forward would work out four times more expensive but without 400 per cent more chance of success.

In terms of grandstand signings, Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery obviously pops to mind. The current crop perhaps has one more spin in its record, though, and Chelsea could do without a demoralising battle with Europe's current big spenders, especially when the current squad can easily stay in contention until January, by which time the gaping holes will have been exposed and the chequebooks of Chelsea's rivals a little more tattered.

Yuri Zhirkov (CSKA Moscow): The left-sided ace would be a popular choice amongst the Blues faithful, and a signal of intent. Again, I don't know if big money signings are completely merited this summer, yet Zhirkov would be a fine capture if Roman Abramovich and Peter Kenyon wish to make a statement.

Ross Turnbull (Middlesbrough): A genuine challenger to Petr Cech's jersey he may not be, but the shot-stopper produced good runs of form at the Riverside and is clearly an ambitious character. Stocky and reactive, he's a completely different 'keeper to Cech, but that's probably a good thing.

PROMOTED (2):

Michael Mancienne: Highly rated by many, with others wholly undecided, but that's to be expected. With only Championship level performances to work with, it remains to be seen whether he's good enough to make the breakthrough in the Premier League. He's probably worth the risk, though, as he's generally composed and can play in several positions: centre-back, right-back and defensive midfield.

Miroslav Stoch: The pint-sized Slovakian striker can play wide right in a front three, or as a second striker. Comfortable with both feet, he's someone who can't resist taking on defenders.

OUT (8):

Deco: Got off to a stunning start at Stamford Bridge, but things quickly went south and it looks as though the Portuguese midfielder will be one of the first out of the door. Inter have been linked, thus the only worry for the Blues faithful will be 'has Jose Mourinho spotted a top-level use for the would-be playmaker that the rest of us have missed?'

Ricardo Carvalho: Is in the same boat as countryman Deco, and – already taking parting shots judging by quotes attributed to him recently – the defender could also soon be rescued by 'The Special One'. With Alex looking useful and Michael Mancienne waiting in the wings, though, it'll be best for all concerned to part company.

Claudio Pizarro: Will be ditched if at all possible, but it looks as though Werder Bremen, where he was on loan, can't afford him.

Paulo Ferreira: We're not picking on Portugal, honestly, but another who could do with a fresh start is Paulo Ferreira. He signed a new long-term deal in 2008 but has since been hampered by injuries and it's unlikely that he'll be able to force himself into Ancelotti's starting XI.

Andriy Shevchenko: "Oh, hello again," Ancelotti will say as he sees his accidental Ukrainian striker-cum-stalker walk through the doors. "How do I get rid of you?" Goal.com doesn't know either, but his wage packet is unsustainable for a fringe man, to say the least.

Juliano Belletti: The attacking full-back, has quality, and has actually been a decent impact player at times. However, he can excel elsewhere and has never really been the right fit for the Blues.

Franco Di Santo: Has been linked with Blackburn Rovers and a new beginning for the young forward would be wise for all concerned.

Scott Sinclair: Is likely to be loaned out one again, his first-team chances remain slim, despite his promise.

Greg Ptolomey, Goal.com

Now all of our breaking news is at your fingertips. Meet the Goal.com Toolbar, the new and exciting way to take the passion of football with you!