5 players Chelsea could target in the January transfer window
It has been a strange year for Chelsea this season, having sacked Thomas Tuchel earlier this season, a change of ownership saw Tedd Boehly take over the Blues and he instilled Graham Potter to kickstart a new era for the club.
Since then, the Stamford Bridge-based outfit has had some mixed results, having outspent every single Premier League side in the summer, they fell to ninth place in the standings, before the World Cup break.
In their first match after the league’s resumption, Potter’s side won 2-0 against Bournemouth and rose to eighth. Plenty of star names have joined the club recently, and many more are expected to follow, with David Datro Fofana already one of the confirmed names who will join the club in January.
The Blues will also look to sign a right-back after Reece James’ injury, who is expected to be out for a while. Another centre-back is expected to be signed, with the club known to be negotiating with Benoit Badiashile and Declan Rice remains a long-term target. Isco is also currently a free agent after having his contract terminated with Sevilla and would be a valuable addition that too on a free transfer.
Here are the top five players Chelsea could target in the upcoming January transfer window:
#5 Isco (Free agent)
Even though the Blues have no shortage of attacking talents, a creative force like Isco, that too, on a free transfer would be a good opportunity to turn down. Jorginho continues to be linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, and playing alongside the likes of N’Golo Kante would help him excel in a sort of free-roaming midfield role, wherein he thrived previously at Real Madrid.
The Spaniard would take the creative burden off the likes of Mason Mount and others, while he would link up play from between the lines, and provide cohesion to the side. The only stumbling block would be that Isco would want regular minutes since he forced his way out of Sevilla because of a lack of playing time.
#4 Josip Juranovic (Celtic)
Josip Juranovic would be a great addition for as cheap as £8 million
The injury to James has put Potter’s side in a precarious position and thus they are looking to sign a right-back to address the issue. They were linked to Celtic’s Josip Juranovic, and he could be available for as little as £8 million.
The 27-year-old was named in the World Cup team of the year, and understandably, his performances were stunning as he helped Croatia finish third. The Blues will have to be swift because Barcelona is also known to be in the running for the Croatian’s signature.
Juranovic has played more than 2300 minutes of competitive football for both club and country this season and his current deal runs until 2026, but the Scottish club would be open to sale.
#3 Declan Rice (West Ham)
Declan Rice has been a long-term target for the Blues and continues to be linked to Potter’s side. He shone for England at the World Cup as well, and the 23-year-old is one of the most coveted midfielders in the world. Rice has all the defensive attributes as well as an attacking nous that has made him such an attractive proposition to all the clubs around the world.
His current deal expires at the end of 2025 and West Ham has so far adopted a ‘hands-off’ approach to any potential suitors, meaning that the central midfielder would definitely not come cheap, but surely any team buying him would get their money’s worth. He’s played 31 matches so far and has contributed one goal and two assists so far, for club and country.
#2 Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan)
Denzel Dumfries shone for the Netherlands at the World Cup
Denzel Dumfries is one of the coveted right-backs in the world at the moment and thus it hardly comes as a surprise that the Potter’s side has also been linked to him.
Inter Milan has been trying to tie him down to a new deal but such has been his performances that it will be difficult for the Italian club to hold onto him if the right offer comes because the San Siro outfit’s finances haven’t been at their best in recent times.
The Dutchman’s current deal expires at the end of 2025, and he has racked up more than 2300 competitive minutes for club and country, scoring five goals and has also added five assists. Dumfries would be the perfect player in the long term as well, to push James once he recovers from his injury.
#1 Benoit Badiashile (Monaco)
The Stamford Bridge outfit is currently in advanced negotiations with Benoit Badiashile, who is one of the brightest prospects in Ligue 1.
Having represented France twice, the 21-year-old is expected to fight it out with a place in the playing XI alongside the likes of Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly. Badiashile has played a total of 18 matches so far this season for club and country and he has also scored two goals.
Monaco is said to be demanding £35m for their prized asset which is not the most expensive fee given the Frenchman’s bright future. Known for his aerial ability, and passing attributes, Chelsea could be getting their hands on a potential successor for Silva.