How Chelsea could line up after January transfer spree with Felix, Fernandez and Badiashile transforming team
WHILE Chelsea are investing plenty of money into youth signings, transfers for the here and now are also expected in January.
Owner Todd Boehly is poised to continue his spree after a heavy summer of spending.
January will be Graham Potter’s first transfer window as boss, and the Englishman is in need of reinforcements.
Chelsea are eighth in the Premier League and have seen their squad decimated by injury.
So a mid-season overhaul could be on the cards.
The Blues are reportedly closing in on a £35million deal for Monaco centre-back Benoit Badiashile, who could slot in alongside Thiago Silva in the heart of defence.
RB Leipzig ace Josko Gvardiol is also a long-term target.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has enjoyed a resurgence in goal, while Reece James and Ben Chilwell are first choice full-backs when fit.
But it could be all change in midfield with N’Golo Kante out injured and Jorginho linked with a switch to Newcastle.
Portuguese outlet CM claim the Blues have met Enzo Fernandez’s mammoth £105m Benfica release clause after he helped Argentina to World Cup glory earlier this month.
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And Fernandez could be joined at Stamford Bridge by national team colleague Alexis Mac Allister.
Argentinian outlet TyC Sports report Chelsea are leading the race for Mac Allister, who worked with Potter at Brighton.
The World Cup winning pair could transform the midfield alongside Mason Mount, who was superb in the 2-0 win over Bournemouth.
Scoring goals remains a problem for Chelsea – but that is something that could be fixed by Joao Felix.
The Blues are plotting a January loan swoop for the striker, according to the Telegraph.
Felix has slipped down the pecking order at Atletico Madrid but could lead the line at Stamford Bridge with Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling either side of him.
Further attacking reinforcements could also come through Borussia Dortmund teenager Youssoufa Moukoko.
The 18-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and is said to be a target for Potter.