Thiago Silva is widely regarded as one of the smartest Chelsea signings in recent years, despite arriving at Stamford Bridge at the age of 35 on a free transfer. Over the past four-and-a-half seasons he has been a mainstay in their backline and provided much-needed experience and quality, two features that they will be looking for once again this summer to accommodate Mauricio Pochettino's young squad. Here, Express Sport has taken a look at some out-of-contract veteran stars that Chelsea could target once again to repeat the success of Silva’s addition in 2020.
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Luka Modric
Luka Modric’s trophy-laden 12 years at Real Madrid look set to come to an end after Spanish outlet Sport claimed that he will not be offered another contract extension. The Croatian has proven to be one of the best midfielders of his generation and despite an improved performance from Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo against Aston Villa in the FA Cup, Modric could guide them and help realise their potential.
The 38-year-old has made 10 La Liga starts this season for the team top of the table and to be able to play with competition from the likes of Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Toni Kroos, Edouardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni is no mean feat. If Chelsea did want an experienced midfielder in the summer they would be remiss to look further than the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner.
Olivier Giroud
Chelsea have been in desperate need of a focal point this season and one man who has performed that role in the past is AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud. He spent two-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge at the age of 37 continues to be a prolific scorer, bagging 11 Serie A goals this season.
Chelsea have a glut of young strikers and may need the tutelage of an experienced veteran such as Giroud, who knows not only how to lead the line but to do it for the Blues. His contract is up at the end of the season and could be a cost-effective summer signing as opposed to a blockbuster big-money forward.
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Sergio Ramos
If Silva is to depart Chelsea at the end of the season, Pochettino may still want an experienced head to help guide his many young defenders. Sergio Ramos, who has been a mainstay back in La Liga with Sevilla at 37, could be just the man for the job.
He turned down Saudi Arabia interest to return to his boyhood club, but they are battling relegation and remain just three points above the drop zone.
But if Chelsea are searching for leadership in their defence to replace Silva then the man with 26 club trophies to his name in addition to a World Cup and two European Championships and 180 caps for Spain, many of which as captain, could be the answer.
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