Chelsea have endured a rather odd few weeks in the Premier League, beating Tottenham and Arsenal but also losing to Bournemouth, Everton and Southampton.
The struggles against the so-called 'lesser' teams in the league, have made the need for new players even more explicit heading into the January transfer window.
And here's some of the players that could be on their way to Stamford Bridge.
Jadon Sancho
Rumours have been circulating Jadon Sancho’s return to England since the beginning of the season – with Chelsea seen as one of the favourites to snatch up the winger in January. Reports claim that the English youngster is unhappy with the treatment he has received at current club Borussia Dortmund, suggesting his desire to leave as early as the next window. Sancho would provide Chelsea with much more creativity in the final third – something which they have lacked against the likes of Southampton in recent weeks.
However, unsurprisingly, there is fierce competition for the young star, with the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool keen to sign the English international. Sancho won’t be cheap, and reports claim that around £120m could be demanded for his services. Chelsea are arguably willing to spend big and if they are realistically able to sign the talented teenager, he could do wonders for the club.
Ben Chilwell
Despite Frank Lampard’s desire to sign attacking players in the upcoming window, their defensive issues are the club’s biggest concern. Although the Blues have reported problems across the back line, their highest priority will be singing a new left back in January. Both Emerson and Marcos Alonso have failed to make an impact this season, with the latter likely to leave at the next given opportunity.
Ben Chilwell would be the perfect replacement, with the defender seen as one of the best left backs in the league. That being said, Lampard’s dreams of bringing the Leicester City man to Stamford Bridge could be highly unrealistic – at least for now. The 23-year-old is unlikely to leave the Foxes until the summer, following their current season under Brendan Rodgers.
Nathan Ake
If Chelsea are unable to sign the highly-regarded Ben Chilwell, they may have to look for defensive options elsewhere. Therefore, another January candidate could be Bournemouth’s defender Nathan Ake. The Dutch international enjoyed several loan spells while at the west London side, before making his move permanent to the Cherries in 2017.
Given Chelsea’s shaky defence, having a player who could display his abilities across the backline could come in handy for Lampard. With a buy-back clause of £40m, the 24-year-old looks like a more realistic and affordable options for the Blues.
Timo Werner
As well as fixing their problems at the back, there is a strong need for strikers in West London as the transfer window looms. Although Tammy Abraham has proven his worth as Chelsea’s new number nine, there are a number of forwards expected to make their exit from Chelsea in January including Oliver Giroud and Michy Batshuayi. The Blues are therefore keen to sign RB Leipzig’s striker Timo Werner – and for good reason too.
The German has netted an impressive 18 goals in 17 games for his club this season and at Chelsea, he will have no problem getting his name of the scoresheet. Werner is also a target for other Premier League sides including Liverpool and Manchester United. However, the Blues are reportedly willing to pay his release cause of £27m after the striker signed a new deal with the German side in August.
Hakim Ziyech
After facing Ajax in the Champions League group stages this campaign, Chelsea have already bore witness to the incredible Hakim Ziyech. The Moroccan international could be another option to help the Blues creatively and compared to Sancho, the 26-year-old would be a much affordable option for the side.
This season, Ziyech has already managed an astonishing 12 league assists with Ajax as well as netting six league goals since the beginning of the campaign. The creative streak Ziyech possesses would undoubtedly be a great asset to Chelsea.
Source : 90min