3 Players Chelsea To Target During January Transfer Window And 2 To Avoid
Chelsea is now debating whether to increase the number of players in the first team when the transfer window opens.
Over the past few years, the Blues have not hesitated to recruit players in January, with Mykhailo Mudryk and Enzo Fernandez being two standout arrivals.
Some would contend that since Enzo Maresca’s team is now ranked second in the league, no new players are needed. Nonetheless, there is a justification to improve several positions given that the team can be in a title race.
Jonathan David – Target
The Canadian international has 6 months left on his contract so he could be available for a relatively low fee in January.
David has been in excellent form as well, having found the back of the net 17 times in 26 appearances.
While he would be a high-profile addition, he wouldn’t necessarily sideline Nicolas Jackson.
The arrival of David would enable Maresca to rotate between him and Jackson depending on the match in question. The Blues boss has made it clear that he doesn’t see Christopher Nkunku as a striker so that would suggest the Italian would like to strengthen his options up front too.
Jeremie Frimpong – Target
Malo Gusto can create goals, as we saw last season when he produced 9 assists, but he hasn’t been quite as creative this campaign.
Frimpong will not only generate plenty of chances for others, he can also find the back of the net himself. His arrival would add another dimension to Chelsea’s attack.
Marcus Rashford – Avoid
Some fans have speculated that, with Mudryk provisionally suspended due to a failed drugs test, the Blues may go into the market for a replacement.
Rashford has been suggested as a possible option, considering that the 27-year-old has publicly stated that he is open to leaving Manchester United.
However, the forward’s form over the last 18 months leaves a lot to be desired and he wouldn’t necessarily add anything to the squad, other than his sizeable salary.
Maresca can already call upon the likes of Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho to play on the left flank if and when needed.
Marc Guehi – Target
Wesely Fofana can’t escape his injury problems and it looks like he is set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
A centre-back was already believed to be among the club’s top priorities for January so those plans could now be accelerated.
There has been some talk about bringing Guehi back to Stamford Bridge, and his attributes could complement Levi Colwill in the middle of defence.
He is now in the final 18 months of his contract so Palace may not be able to demand as much as they did from Newcastle last summer.
Victor Osimhen – Avoid
The Nigerian international joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan back in September after his move to Stamford Bridge collapsed.
However, there are reports that there is a break clause which would allow Osimhen to leave Napoli on a permanent basis next month.
There is no doubt about the striker’s ability but you do question whether he would be the right fit for Maresca’s system.
If Osimhen were to arrive in January, it could disrupt the Blues’ patterns of play in the final third of the pitch.