Christian Benteke to Chelsea: Blues linked with Aston Villa man as Jose Mourinho identifies need for striker

Mourinho is looking to bring in three new additions

Christian Benteke has been linked with Chelsea (GETTY IMAGES)

Aston Vila striker Christian Benteke is one of the three players that Jose Mourinho wants to sign for Chelsea this summer, according to reports.

The Blues manager said yesterday that he is looking to strengthen the Premier League champions with three additions, including a striker to replace the departing Didier Drogba.

Mourinho said: "I think we need three players - a striker, because we lost our legend [Drogba], a defender and a midfielder to give a little more competitiveness to the squad, bring some new blood in and put some of the team a little bit under pressure.

"They need to know there is someone waiting to take their place - now they are the champions, I need that to sustain my way of working. But basically, I want to keep the same players, the same squad, the same manager, and bring stability to the club."

The quotes come a week after Eden Hazard praised his Belgium team-mate Benteke, saying that he "would be the happiest man in the world" if Benteke, who reportedly has a £32.5m release clause, signs for the Stamford Bridge side.

"If Christian signs with us, I would be the happiest man in the world,' said Hazard.

"I have a great relationship with him and would like nothing better than to play with him. Christian is 25. He is at an age where he has to make a good career choice.

"Not that Aston Villa is a small club but he has already played many great games and can now play in the Champions League."