Chelsea seem interested in signing one of the most consistent and efficient players currently performing in Europe. Ivan Rakitic who has been playing for Sevilla since 2011 has apparently become a target for Mourinho. The Portuguese boss feels the Croatian international would be a perfect solution to replace Lampard who is in the twilight of his years as a professional footballer.

The 26 year old who has made 114 appearances in La Liga, will enter his last year of contract at the end of this season. After no rumor of a contract extension made the news, it seems that he might be thinking it is time for some changes. Chelsea could benefit from this situation by offering him a serious signing bonus which should be convincing enough. The downside with Rakitic is he does not seem physically strong enough for the Premier League. Before joining the Spanish side, the midfielder suffered three major injuries, all of which he sustained while in the Bundesliga which is not nearly as physically demanding as English football.

According to talkSPORT, Chelsea are not the only ones targeting the Croatian. Liverpool, Juventus and Napoli are also interested in his services. It is still hard to say if a player of his profile is really necessary at Stamford Bridge. Even if Lampard is at the end of his career, Chelsea still have Ramires, Obi Mikel, Matic, Oscar and Willian to take his place. Rakitic may not be able to stand out of a group which already has one of the strongest midfields in the world. So if Chelsea want the Croatian player they will likely have to beat Liverpool in the transfer market, just as they must defeat Liverpool at Anfield if they want to continue their challenge for the Premier League title.