Chelsea weren’t planning a big transfer window before Enzo Maresca’s departure – but they could still do a deal or two.
A total of 11 senior stars have arrived over the summer, but that doesn’t mean they can’t improve their squad, especially with the Italian head coach leaving Stamford Bridge.
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A £270m splash has brought in plenty of young talent, including Estevao, Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap and Alejandro Garnacho, but experience is needed to help them.
And The Pitch Prospect correspondent Ben Jacobs has admitted there are players on the Blues’ radar, but they were intended as long-term options.
He told Sports Breakfast: “I think Chelsea were expecting a quiet January but now we’re on January 1st and they’re doing all the backs but of course not specifically in relation to the transfer window.”
“What they want in the long term is a midfielder.
“Elliot Anderson is one of the players on their radar. Adam Wharton is valued.”
“These will probably be summer legends [as well as] possibly another defender. But I think Chelsea would be happy with a quiet January and then do most of their business in the summer.
“But they are always opportunistic in the market, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if one or two came through the door.”
“Whether they are first-team players remains to be seen, but the main areas they are looking to strengthen are central midfield and perhaps another centre-back.”
“But remember, if Wesley Fofana stays fit and Levi Colwill returns perhaps in April, in the long term they will think this is a proven centre-back pairing.”
“There are also many others who are already central defenders at the club.
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“Therefore, it might require an exit if they want to strengthen their defense, especially in January.”
Who wants Elliot Anderson?
The Nottingham Forest star’s rise since arriving from Newcastle has been impressive to watch – and there are many observers.
Since his £35 million transfer in the summer of 2024, Anderson has impressed with his fighting ability and ball development.
This led to a call-up to England and it is currently almost certain that he will travel to the 2026 World Cup as a regular player under Thomas Tuchel.
As a result, Manchester United and Man City were said to have an interest in signing him.
Who wants Adam Wharton?
The former Blackburn Rovers star is in a similar boat to Anderson.
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Thanks to his good performances at Crystal Palace, where he won the FA Cup final and the Community Shield, he was also called up to the England international team.
Manchester United are also interested in him, while Tottenham are another club that are reportedly keeping an eye on the player.
What is Chelsea’s centre-back situation?
In central defense, an upgrade could be a smart move.
Injury problems have plagued the Blues with Levi Colwill out and Wesley Fofana suffering two cruciate ligament injuries since his arrival in 2022.
The form of Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo has been inconsistent as the Blues fail to mount a serious title challenge.
However, Trevoh Chalobah has impressed while Josh Acheampong could do with more experience before being thrown in at the deep end.