Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi is top of Jose Mourinho‘s five-man transfer wish list, according to Miguel Delaney of ESPN FC.

Delaney reports “there has been initial contact between the London club and Inter over the 22-year-old.” Further information is provided on Mourinho‘s possible transfer plans for the summer: “Sources also told ESPN FC that the club will try and sign a full-back, two back-up goalkeepers in the event of Petr Cech’s likely departure and maybe another midfielder depending on exits.”

Icardi has been linked with Chelsea for some months, per the Express (h/t Mirror). He has netted 16 in 29 Serie A appearances this campaign, per WhoScored.com, despite Inter’s struggles in mid-table. The Argentinian possesses a combative nature, not too dissimilar to Chelsea’s Diego Costa, and he is the type of player Mourinho loves to challenge himself with. B/R UK’s Matteo Bonetti previously discussed the possible transfer:

Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) recently reported that Inter postponed a meeting in which Icardi was meant to ink a new deal. “The reason the newspaper gives is that one of the player’s representatives, Abian Moreno, is in Milan, but wishes to talk with either sporting director Piero Ausilio or president Erick Thohir, who are both unavailable,” wrote Football Italia.

While this isn’t thought to be a serious development, Chelsea could press home their rumoured interest during the delay.

It’s interesting to consider Mourinho is allegedly hunting a full-back, per Delaney. John Cross of the Mirror reported word from the Spanish press that left-back Filipe Luis could be used in a player-plus-cash deal for Atletico Madrid’s Koke. This would open up a move for West Ham’s Aaron Cresswell, according to the Daily Mail (h/t Anthony Chapman of the Express).

Should these plans come to fruition, Koke would represent the midfielder Mourinho is said to be considering, per Delaney.

The aforementioned report also suggests two back-up goalkeepers could be hunted after Petr Cech’s departure. Jonathan Johnson of Bleacher Report reported comments from former Chelsea coach Ray Wilkins, who spoke after Paris Saint-Germain’s recent home defeat to Barcelona:

Thibaut Courtois is set to dominate between the Stamford Bridge sticks for years to come, so any new arrival will most likely need to make peace with staying on the bench. Fulham youngster Marcus Bettinelli is linked to the club by Simon Jones of the MailOnline, with Chelsea previously letting veteran Mark Schwarzer join Leicester City in January.

Mourinho has undoubtedly built one of the strongest squads in Europe, but there’s still room for Chelsea to improve if they’re going to become Champions League contenders next season. Icardi remains an interesting prospect and would offer quality cover for Costa, whose injury problems persist. Loic Remy and Didier Drogba have played their parts this season but continue to struggle with problems of their own.

As such, it would make sense for Mourinho to add further firepower. The west London club have relied on Eden Hazard for much of their inspiration this year and could use additional options in the final third.

When you look at the attacking players on show at Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Chelsea are still playing catch-up. Mourinho often buys well and sells for a high price, so supporters are likely eager to see what he can concoct.

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