With the January transfer window rapidly drawing to a close, Chelsea FC are reportedly preparing to launch a frantic bid to bolster their attacking options. The Blues had been heavily linked with a move for Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran, but their pursuit has been scuppered after the Colombian star opted to join Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal in a £59 million deal.
Undeterred, Chelsea have swiftly compiled a five-man shortlist of alternative targets, with negotiations already underway with several clubs. According to sources, Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho is one of the players being pursued, although the Blues are prepared to play a waiting game until the February 3 deadline to secure a deal.
Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is another Premier League player being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, although a summer transfer is thought to be more likely. Chelsea are also casting their net wider, targeting three European players, including Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel, Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.
The 19-year-old Tel has reportedly asked to leave Bayern Munich, paving the way for Chelsea to make a bid. A swap deal involving Christopher Nkunku has been mooted, although the details of such a transfer remain unclear.
Gittens, who has represented England at various youth levels, has also been linked with Liverpool, while Williams shot to prominence at Euro 2024, scoring the opener in the final against England.
To facilitate these incoming transfers, Chelsea will need to offload several players, with the likes of Axel Disasi, Cesare Casadei, Carney Chukwuemeka, Joao Felix, and Ben Chilwell all reportedly surplus to requirements.
Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, has played down the need for a new striker, instead backing Nicolas Jackson to rediscover his scoring form. However, with the Blues struggling to find consistency in front of goal, it’s clear that reinforcements are needed to boost their Champions League hopes.
and then