With the January transfer window opening in a few weeks, we’ve taken a look at Chelsea’s transfer targets for the upcoming window.
The Blues have made a shocking start to the Premier League this season, and lost 2-0 at Everton last time out. With Chelsea having picked up just 39 points in 2023, Mauricio Pochettino has indicated the need for more firepower.
Speaking after their latest defeat, the Argentine said: “Our reality now is mid-table and if we want to go up we have to push ourselves. When the transfer window opens we will see what we can do.
“I’m not saying I’m going to ask for more players or less players but it is to see if perception matches reality”.
Chelsea rumours are already in circulation, with several transfer targets reported. But with the club nowhere near a Champions League place and closer to relegation than the top four, it may be difficult to entice players to Stamford Bridge.
That hasn’t stopped them from trying, though. Since Todd Boehly took charge of the club in June 2022, they have spent more than £1 billion on new signings in just three windows.
Chelsea Transfer Targets For January 2024
As for 2024, a few big names are linked with Chelsea. Well-known transfer targets include Victor Osimhen, whom Chelsea have courted for some time.
The Napoli forward has 66 goals in 116 appearances for the Serie A side, and would add some much-needed finishing ability up front for Chelsea. Reports suggest Napoli may want a monster fee – in excess of £100 million. But with Chelsea’s spending under Boehly, they may well pay it.
Also on Chelsea’s shortlist is Brentford’s Ivan Toney. The striker was banned for eight months for breaching betting regulations, but is free to play from 16 January.
With 20 goals in 33 Premier League games last season, he was the third-highest scorer in the league. Toney has also been linked with a move to Arsenal, so it may take a lucrative deal to lure him to Chelsea.
Chelsea are reportedly likely to target a high-profile striker in January, with Ivan Toney, Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres all on their shortlist 🔵💰
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 12, 2023
Another option is Victor Gyokeres. The Swedish striker has 15 goals and seven assists for Sporting this season – including two in the Europa League. Gyokeres has 19 senior international caps, scoring five goals. He is no stranger to English football, having previously played for Coventry City in the EFL Championship.
Completing the list of Chelsea’s top transfer targets for January is João Palhinha. The Fulham midfielder would not have far to travel should he make the move from Craven Cottage.
Another player also linked with Arsenal, Palhinha would add some much-needed depth to Chelsea’s lightweight midfield. Primarily a defensive player, he would add protection to a back line that have conceded 26 goals in 16 Premier League games.
One player unlikely to move to Chelsea is Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian striker has been linked previously, but looks set to stay at Juventus. Fabrizio Romano confirmed the 23-year-old is discussing a new contract, with more than two years left on his current deal.
⚪️⚫️ Dusan Vlahovic on Arsenal and Chelsea recent links: "I'm very happy to be at Juventus", told Gazzetta.
"I still have two and a half years left on my contract here at Juve, we're in no rush but director Giuntoli and my agent are already talking". pic.twitter.com/XopGNSpEqX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 1, 2023
How Much Did Chelsea Spend In January 2023?
While each of those Chelsea targets will come at a price, they aren’t strangers to spending big in January. In 2023, Chelsea spent close to £300 million.
The arrival of Enzo Fernandez for £105 million was a January transfer record for the Premier League. Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk joined from Shakhtar Donetsk for £88 million in another huge deal.
Not every Chelsea signing in January commanded a headline-making fee, though. French defender Benoit Badiashile signed for £35 million from AS Monaco, and Noni Madueke arrived from PSV for £29 million.
They also brought in 18-year-old Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos for £18 million, along with Ivorian attacker David Datro Fofana form Molde for £8 million.
Another Frenchman, fullback Malo Gusto, signed from Lyon for £26 million. He was loaned back to Lyon and only made his Premier League debut against Liverpool in August.
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