Chelsea are back in the market for new players after their transfer ban was lifted by CAS. The Blues were banned for two windows by FIFA, one which they already served in the Summer, but CAS decision to reduce the ban to one window, means the Blues are now free to conduct business in January.
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard had to call on youth players such as Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori, Reece Jame, Taric Lamptey, and they haven’t disappointed so far.
But, despite his young side showing potential, the Blues’ boss is keen to add some star-quality, as they compete for the top four, FA Cup and Champions League in the new year.
With that in mind, Soccernet Nigeria takes a look at five players Chelsea should consider this transfer window.
TIMO WERNER (RB Leipzig)
The German international has played a key role in RasenBallsport Leipzig’s success in the Bundesliga this season. They are currently top of the log ahead of reigning champions, Bayern Munich, and have also qualified for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.
Much of Leipzig success this campaign is down to the goalscoring prowess of Timo Werner. The Germany international has scored 23 goals in 25 games for Die Roten Bullen this season. Timo Werner is certainly one player Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard should go all out for this January.
Werner is out of contract next summer, which means Chelsea could get him on the cheap if Leipzig decides to cash in rather than lose him on a free.
WILFRED ZAHA (Crystal Palace)
A possible replacement for Pedro and Willian if they leave Chelsea this summer, Crystal Palace midfielder, Wilfred Zaha has distinguished himself as an all-action player blessed with pace, trickery, and ability to score goals at will.
Although the Ivorian international has had a fairly quiet start to the season, with three goals and three assists through 21 games in the Premier League, the 27-year-old’s overall record is excellent.
The former Manchester United winger could also help Chelsea fil the void of Eden Hazard who left for Real Madrid in the summer.
JADON SANCHO (Borussia Dortmund)
The England youngster has taken the Bundesliga by storm since his arrival from Manchester City in 2017. Jadon Sancho is attracting interest from Europe’s top sides following his performances for Dortmund.
Sancho would likely cost Chelsea’s a large percentage of their transfer kitty, but it would be a good business in the long term. Still only 19, Sancho could become part of an exciting trio of young wingers, along with Callum Hudson-Odoi and former Dortmund team-mate Christian Pulisic.
Sancho has 9 goals in 15 appearances for Dortmund this ongoing season and has already played 11 times for England, scoring twice.
BEN CHILWELL (Leicester City)
With Emerson or Marcos Alonso struggling in their roles, Chilwell could be the man to solve the Blues left-back issue. The England international is one of Foxes best players in an incredible season and will be a great addition to Lampard’s side.
Chilwell is now England’s first-choice left-back, and Lampard could be tempted to add him to an already England-heavy squad.
However, Lampard may find it difficult to bring the Leicester City man to Stamford Bridge, because City manager, Brendan Rodgers would be determined to keep one of his best players.
HAKIM ZIYECH (AJAX)
After facing Ajax in the Champions League group stages this campaign, Chelsea have seen the incredible skills of Hakim Ziyech. The Moroccan international could be another option to help the Blues creatively and compared to Sancho, the 26-year-old would be a much affordable option for the side.
This season, Ziyech has already managed an astonishing 13 league assists with Ajax, as well as netting six league goals. The creative skill Ziyech possesses would undoubtedly be a great asset to Chelsea.
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