Roman Abramovich would have learned an awful lot from the last time Chelsea won the Premier League title.

Jose Mourinho was reportedly keen to spend big on strengthening his squad ahead of the 2015-16 campaign, but the Blues’ billionaire owner wasn’t convinced it was necessary.

After all, Chelsea had breezed their way to the Premier League title, finishing eight points above second-placed Manchester City. On the face of it, there didn’t appear to be any great need to splash the cash on new recruits.

However, Abramovich’s failure to listen to Mourinho cost Chelsea dearly. It even cost Mourinho his job.

Chelsea endured a catastrophically bad start to the 2015-16 season, Mourinho was sacked in December and the Blues finished 10th in the Premier League table.

As a title defence, it was an unmitigated disaster. Although Leicester City have taken the shine off them with their own calamitous title defence this season.

Chelsea will strengthen this summer

Antonio Conte will ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to Chelsea this summer if, as expected, his side finish the season as Premier League champions.

And this time, you suspect, Abramovich will provide the Blues’ head coach with the funds to ensure Chelsea are competitive in both the Premier League and Champions League next season.

Chelsea's No. 1 transfer target is a surprise

But, according to the Guardian, the west London outfit have identified a surprise player as their number one transfer target.

Aware that Alexis Sanchez is unsettled at Arsenal, Conte has discussed the possibility of bringing the Chile international to Stamford Bridge.

Alexis’s contract has 15 months left to run and, if he decides he wants to leave Arsenal, the Gunners will have no option but to consider any serious offers.

Arsene Wenger, who is expected to sign a new two-year contract extension at the Emirates Stadium, obviously has no desire to sell his star player to a Premier League rival.

But the unsettled South American, who is demanding his £130,000-a-week wage be increased to £250,000, might be tempted to join Chelsea for a variety of reasons, including staying in London and competing for major honours.

If Chelsea are successful in their pursuit of Alexis, the 28-year-old will become the first player to join them from Arsenal since Ashley Cole in 2006.