After the anomaly of a mid-season 'pre-season', new Blues boss Graham Potter can now shape the squad in his image with some new faces
Having already had the unusual benefit of a six-week period to work closely with those players who were not involved in the World Cup in Qatar, away from scrutiny and the public eye, recently-appointed Chelsea manager Graham Potter now has an opportune transfer window to fine tune his squad.
However, a sharp downturn in form before the World Cup break means Potter and new owner Todd Boehly probably have more work on their hands than they bargained for – especially after the lavish summer outlay on the likes of Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana.
The question those in charge will need to ask themselves is whether cosmetic changes in the new year will be enough, or whether a complete overhaul is required for a squad that has stagnated in certain areas – one that will likely have to wait until the summer.
Molde forward David Datro Fofana has already been brought in, but he is unlikely to be the last new fact at Stamford Bridge over the winter.
So if Chelsea do decide to enter the market again in January, GOAL runs through eight players they could consider to improve their fortunes…
GettyEnzo Fernandez (Benfica)
The man who has emerged as Chelsea's prime January transfer target.
The Blues midfield is in need of a refresh, with Jorginho failing to hit the lofty heights expected of him when he signed and both Mateo Kovacic and N'Golo Kante regularly struggling with fitness issues.
Fernandez could be the perfect antidote after his breakout performances at the World Cup – but his showings there also mean Chelsea will have to pay through the nose to get him.
Given the Blues' need for an injection of quality and consistency in midfield, a total fee northwards of £100 million may just be worth it in the long run.
Just imagine if they sign Jude Bellingham in the summer too…
AdvertisementGettyBenoit Badiashile (Monaco)
Monaco centre-back Badiashile emerged as a target for Chelsea late in December with the transfer window fast approaching.
Although Chelsea reinforced their depleted backline with the additions of Koulibaly, Fofana and Cucurella following the exits of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Marcos Alonso in the summer, Potter still feels that he needs a left-sided centre-back who can compete for a starting place – and if we're honest, that's fair enough.
As a top team that regularly plays three at the back Chelsea need quality depth in central defence, and highly-rated Badiashile – who is already a full France international at 21 – would tick that box, while a €35 million (£31m/$37m) fee seems reasonable by modern standards.
Daniel Ramalho/VascoAndrey Santos (Vasco da Gama)
Another exciting youngster who has moved across Chelsea's radar is Vasco da Gama midfielder Andrey Santos.
GOAL understands the Blues are close to securing the 18-year-old's signature following a breakout season in Brazil's Serie B.
Andrey has been dubbed 'the Brazilian Busquets' in his home country, due to his passing ability and the way in which he is able to tackle, be press resistant and screen the defence, but he even adds something the Barcelona stalwart doesn't: goals.
The teenager netted eight times in 36 games in the recently-concluded Brazilian season as he marauded from box to box, and can probably be considered more of a No.8 – something Chelsea are crying out for, although the step up from Brazil's second tier to the Premier League will be significant.
Getty ImagesJoao Felix (Atletico Madrid)
Granted, Joao Felix's time at Atletico Madrid should serve as a warning: evidently, the exuberant 23-year-old's playing style does not suit a more pragmatic overall approach.
However, though it could be a complex deal for the January window, as Chelsea gradually adapt to Potter's possession-based, attacking style, the opportunity to sign a player of Felix's quality could prove too good to pass up – especially after he gave the world a reminder of his talents with Portugal in Qatar.
An unhappy Felix seems certain to leave Atleti in the near future and Chelsea are reportedly among those interested, with an initial loan deal with an option or obligation to buy in the summer being discussed.
However, that future fee could well be very costly as the Madrid club look to recoup the £113 million they spent on the former Benfica man.