Chelsea will need to up the ante if they have any chance of signing Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic, as the Croatian is discussing a new three-year deal with the Spanish outfit, according to a report from talkSPORT.

The Blues finished their Barclays Premier League campaign in 3rd spot, and need to infuse talent if they are to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool. Especially with players like Frank Lampard closing in on the end of their career, Chelsea will need creative midfielders to further enhance their attacking moves. After selling Juan Mata to Manchester United, Chelsea fell short of attacking midfielders in the squad, as Eden Hazard’s form faded a little through the hectic season. The purchase of Nemanja Matic from Benfica helped assist the defensive midfield department, but the attacking midfield went lacking in quality and depth. Andre Schurrle could only operate effectively from the wing, and there was no striker hitting top form consistently through the season.

Rakitic can offer Chelsea that missing attacking link in midfield that can help the strikers get more chances to score, but if reports emerging from Spain are true, Rakitic will be signing a new contract with the club in the near future.