The January transfer window is finally open and transfer rumors are flying left right and Centre. The Chelsea squad seemed quite healthy and seemed to have plenty of backup in the first-team. But injury setbacks to key players in key positions has forced the club to dive into the transfer market to look for replacements.
Left-back Ben Chilwell was in the form of his life at the start of the season. But he picked up an ACL injury and looks set to be out until the end of the current season. So Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel are looking to bring in a new left-back to the club in January.
The right-wing back Reece James is also currently out on the sidelines. He was also on decent form this term. But he looks to out for another 6-8 weeks. The injury setback to the full-back pair has seen Chelsea’s title challenge gone to shreds.
While club-record signing Romelu Lukaku’s recent controversial interview with Sky Italia has not helped Chelsea’s case as well. A number of fringe players are also linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge.
Here we round up the major transfer for Chelsea in the January transfer window:
Aston Villa beat Chelsea to signing Lucas Digne?
Everton left-back Lucas Digne look set for an exit from Goodison Park after a fallout with the toffees manager Rafael Benítez. Chelsea are set to be without England full-back Ben Chilwell who is set to miss the rest of the season due to an ACL injury.
Chelsea were scouting Lucas Digne in the last couple of months. But the European champions were only looking to sign the left-back on loan. Now fellow Premier League club Aston Villa look all set to beat Chelsea in the race to land the French left-back. Aston Villa have also landed Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona.
Thomas Tuchel when asked about the January transfer window in his press conference said:
“I don’t know if I have a good answer to this one,”
“Don’t know honestly. I have the feeling that Villa is very busy and finding good opportunities to strengthen their squad. Other teams are actually maybe pretty happy with what they have. We, in general, are very happy.”
Malang Sarr off to AC Milan?
Gazzetta dello Sport have reported that Malang Sarr is a primary target for AC Milan in the January transfer window. AC Milan are set to be without Centre-back Simon Kjaer for the rest of the season due to injury.
Lille’s Sven Botman is on top of Milan’s priority list. But the move seems unlikely at the moment. Reports suggest that Malang Sarr is high up on the list of technical director Paolo Maldini.
Sarr has made just seven appearances for Chelsea in all competitions this term. The deal looks well suited for all the parties involved.
Ryan Bertrand re-signing not on the cards
The European champions were also linked with a shock return for Leicester City left-back Ryan Bertrand. Bertrand only joined Leicester in the summer. But he has failed to cement his place in the starting line-up due to his inconsistent performances and injury setbacks.
With Chilwell set to be out until the end of the season. Chelsea were linked with Ryan Bertrand. But reliable football journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that a move for the left-back is not on the cards for the blues in January.
Chelsea set to recall Emberson Palmieri?
The European champions were ready to offer Lyon a compensation fee to recall left-back Emerson back from loan. But reports suggest that Lyon have said no to a “favourable financial package” from Chelsea.
Emerson has been a key part of Lyon’s backline this term and the club seems reluctant to cut his loan short. With that Chelsea’s search for a Chilwell replace goes on in January.
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