Roman Abramovich will try and lure Pep Guardiola to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
The 41-year-old quit his post as Barcelona this afternoon.
Guardiola landed 13 trophies for the Catalan club since being appointed boss in 2008.
Pep cited that he had given all he could to the job and the indications are that he his planning to take a year away from football to recharge his batteries.
Chelsea want Guardiola to take over in July but will be prepared to wait 12 months to land their Number One choice.
This would leave current interim boss Roberto Di Matteo in the box seat to remain in his post for another year.
Di Matteo has steered the Blues to the Champions League and FA Cup finals since taking over from axed Andres Villas-Boas.