Chelsea: Five Potential January Transfer Targets
Lucas Digne (Lille)
The Lille teenager is reportedly being tracked by Manchester United, Man City and Chelsea (the same trio who competed for Lille’s Eden Hazard incidentally…and we all know where he ended up). Digne, 19, is a talented left-back who likes to get forward but, given United’s purchase of Alexander Buttner and the presence of Gael Clichy at Eastlands, Chelsea look favourites the land the Frenchman as a long-term replacement for Ashley Cole and they could make a move as early as January.
Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund)
The Pole was heavily linked with Manchester United this summer and the Old Trafford outfit were believed to be considering a bid for the 23-year-old before Robin van Persie became available. Lewandowski finished top scorer in the Bundesliga last season but, given Shinji Kagawa cost just £15m, he would probably be cheap compared to some of the other top strikers in Europe.
Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid)
The Blues’ Super Cup tormentor is amongst the most coveted strikers in Europe and would cost an absolute bomb but after witnessing his stunning hat-trick in Monaco, Roman Abramovic might just shell out for the Colombian. Falcao has been doing his best to let Europe’s biggest clubs know he is open to a move, admitted in the space of a week that’d he consider joining Real Madrid, Man City and Chelsea. But, of those three, the Blues are in most need of a striker which could see them win the race for Falcao.
Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao)
The Blues already boast one Spanish Fernando up top and they could add another in January. Llorente has made no secret of his desire to leave the Basque club to play Champions League football but Juventus and Spurs both failed in summer bids for the star. With Chelsea lacking any serious competition or back-up for Fernando Torres and with Llorente’s contract set to expire next summer, this is one big January deal that you wouldn’t bet against happening.
Marouane Fellaini (Everton)
The big-haired Belgian has upset Everton fans by going public with his desire to leave Goodison Park and even admitted he may leave in January. Boss David Moyes has reluctantly conceded that he’d be unable to hold onto the powerful midfielder if the ‘right’ offer came in and, let’s face it, Chelsea have enough cash to turn the Toffees’ heads. Fellaini would make the perfect replacement for 34-year-old Blues legend Frank Lampard but the European Champions will face competition from Man United, Real Madrid and Man City for his signature.