This has been a strange season for Chelsea. They sacked Thomas Tuchel earlier in the season and then Tedd Boehly took over the club. He instilled Graham Potter to start a new era for Chelsea. Since then, they have had some mixed results.
They outspent every single Premier League team in the summer, but they still only rose to ninth place in the standings. In their first match back after the World Cup break, they won 2-0 against Bournemouth and rose to eighth place.
There are plenty of star names who have recently joined the club, and even more are expected to join in January. David Datro Fofana is already one of the confirmed names who will join Chelsea in January.
#5 Isco (Free agent)
Isco would be a great addition to the Blues, especially on a free transfer. His creative force would be a good opportunity to turn down. Jorginho is linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, and playing alongside N’Golo Kante would help him excel in a free-roaming midfield role, which he thrived in 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)
Potter’s side is in a difficult position after James’ injury, so they are looking to sign a right-back to fill the void. One option they are looking into is Celtic’s Josip Juranovic. The 27-year-old is an experienced player, having been named in the World Cup team of the year, and he could be available for as little as £8 million.
However, the Blues will have to act fast because Barcelona is also interested in signing the Croatian.
However, the Blues will have to act fast because Barcelona is also interested in signing the Croatian.
Juranovic has played over 2300 minutes of competitive football this season and still has several years left on his current deal, but the Scottish club may be open to offers.
#3 Declan Rice (West Ham)
Declan Rice is a highly sought-after midfielder who has been linked with a move to Chelsea for some time. He was impressive for England at the World Cup and is considered one of the best midfielders in the world. Rice is strong defensively and also has an attacking prowess that makes him an appealing transfer target for many clubs.
West Ham is not currently entertaining any offers for Rice, meaning that any potential buyer would have to pay a high price for him. However, considering his skill and contributions (one goal and two assists in 31 matches for club and country), he would be worth the investment.
#2 Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan)
Denzel Dumfries is a highly sought-after right-back, so it’s no surprise that he’s been linked to a move to Potter’s side. Inter Milan has been trying to tie him down to a new deal, but his performances make it difficult for the Italian club to keep him if the right offer comes along. The Dutchman’s current deal expires in 2025, and he has to rack up more than 2300 competitive minutes for club and country. He’s also scored five goals and added five assists. Dumfries would be the perfect player to push James once he recovers from injury.
#1 Benoit Badiashile (Monaco)
Chelsea is currently in advanced negotiations to sign Benoit Badiashile from Monaco. Badiashile, 21, is one of the brightest prospects in Ligue 1 and has already represented France twice. He is expected to fight for a place in the starting lineup alongside Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly.
So far this season, Badiashile has played a total of 18 matches for club and country and has 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.
