Deadline day! Four deals Marina could still complete as Tuchel favourite arrives
According to reports, via Football London, Thomas Tuchel’s first month of 2022 at Chelsea has been quiet on the transfer front but the Blues could still be sucked into the deadline day antics.
Having lost significant pace in the hunt for the Premier League title, Chelsea’s focus will now be on the three cup competitions where they remain active.
New signings in January could provide a significant boost to those aspirations, as well as potentially helping to get the edge ahead of next season’s assault for the title.
There could also be departures on the cards, however, particularly with a familiar face poised to take the reigns at Everton – and we’ve identified four deals Chelsea could secure on deadline day.
Ousmane Dembele: With Barcelona making it abundantly clear they expect Ousmane Dembele to depart before the mid-season window closes, the Frenchman is the biggest name to watch heading into the final hours of the window.
A move to the Premier League is heavily touted, with Dembele said to have been offered to a number of clubs, and his history with Tuchel may provide an edge.
If Chelsea, or any club for that matter, can get Dembele back to the form he showed with Borussia Dortmund, it would provide a huge boost.
Ross Barkley: With first-team opportunities at Chelsea difficult to come by, Ross Barkley could return to familiar grounds and reunite with a familiar face.
It’s stated that Frank Lampard, set to be named as Everton’s new manager, is keen to bring Barkley back to Goodison Park.
One potential hurdle, however, is the fact that Everton can only register one more loanee in their squad – which restricts their late movement.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: Another midfield target for Everton’s manager-elect Frank Lampard, Ruben Loftus-Cheek could head to Merseyside on deadline day to reunite with the former Blues boss.
The 26-year-old is said to be of interest to Everton along with Tottenham’s Dele Alli, as Lampard seeks business to help Everton propel themselves away from the danger of relegation.
However, the aforementioned limitation regarding loan deals may throw a spanner in the works as it may be difficult to negotiate a permanent move so late in the window.
Aurelien Tchouameni: A huge battle is developing in the hunt for Monaco starlet Aurelien Tchouameni and the one remaining question seems to be whether a move will happen now or in the summer.
Chelsea are said to be at loggerheads with Manchester United for the midfielder’s services, although they are stated to have the edge in the battle against their rivals.
Signing Tchouameni before the close of play on Monday may be a difficult task but it’s not entirely outside the realm of possibility.