Chelsea Transfer News: Falcao, Cavani, Schurrle And Gomez Involved In Latest Speculation

Bayer Leverkusen have not ruled out selling forward Andre Schurrle as speculation mounts over a £20 million transfer to Chelsea.

Schurrle, 22, was the subject of a rejected bid from Chelsea last summer with Leverkusen refusing to sell without being able to find an adequate replacement. But, after another strong season in which he has scored 12 goals and contributed seven assists, Chelsea’s interest is not thought to have diminished.

The Guardian has reported that a five-year contract has already been agreed in principal between Schurrle and Chelsea, with negotiations set to continue with Leverkusen this week.

Leverkusen didn’t go as far as confirming those claims but they did leave open the possibility that a move could happen.

"We are receiving transfer enquiries every now and then,” Leverkusen general manager Rudi Voller said, according to Sky Sports.

"Andre Schurrle is not the only player of interest. It is obvious to have a look at those proposals. We also did that last summer."

And chief executive Wolfgang Holzhauser was similarly evasive,

“At this point in time, there is so much said,” he explained. "There are many rumors. I would prefer not to be part of all this."

The Germany international is capable of playing through the middle but has mainly been deployed on the left. And. with doubts about Fernando Torres’ future, it is likely that Chelsea will also seek to strengthen their attack with a central striker. The Guardian states that interest in long-term target Radamel Falcao remains.

The prolific Atletico Madrid man has most recently been linked with a transfer to Manchester United, but Falcao has said that he is trying to ignore the incessant speculation over his future.

"In recent weeks I have tried to isolate myself and not think about the rumors about my future," Falcao said, according to Sky Sports.

"I do not really know where that information has come from [joining Manchester United], that is part of the press.

"I'm focused only on Atletico Madrid. I do not let the market rumors affect my performance."

Falcao is not the only striker thought to be under consideration, however. According to the Daily Mail, the Blues will vie with Manchester City for Napoli star Edinson Cavani.

Despite a rare scoring drought earlier this year, the Uruguayan has had another prolific season and currently has 22 goals in Serie A. The 26-year-old is unlikely to be easy to procure, though, with Napoli having inserted a €63 million (£54m) buyout clause in his new contract last August.

And if Chelsea and/or City fail to land Cavani then the Mail states that they will move for Bayern Munich’s out of favor striker Mario Gomez. After an injury kept him out for the start of the season, the Germany international has failed to regain his place in the first team from Mario Mandzukic.

The 27-year-old showed against Wolfsburg at the weekend that he has not lost his scoring instincts by incredibly netting a hat-trick in a 13-minute substitute appearance.

Gomez’s agent Uli Ferber has revealed that his client is less than enthused about having to settle for a place on the bench.

“Mario is not happy about his situation,” he said, according to the Daily Mail.