Chelsea were very active in the last transfer window, and it looks like it could be a similar theme in this one.
Based on reports, it seems that there could be arrivals and exits at Stamford Bridge this month.
Chelsea could sign Marc Guehi to strengthen their defence, but the team’s attack could also be improved for the second half of the season.
As Chelsea weigh up bringing in a new offensive player, one forward should definitely be on their shortlist.
Chelsea should target AC Milan’s Rafael Leao again
Following their takeover of Chelsea, one of the first big signings that Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali wanted to make was Rafael Leao.
According to The Athletic, the two Chelsea owners spoke to Paolo Maldini, who was AC Milan’s technical director at the time, about a deal for Leao.
Nothing materialised in the end and Leao remained at the San Siro. However, if Chelsea are planning to sign a new wide man this month, then they should revive their interest in the 25-year-old.
Leao remains a dangerous dribbler who is capable of scoring goals, while the Portugal international can also play up front.
| Rafael Leao’s last five seasons | Serie A appearances | Goals | Assists | Key passes (per game) | Dribbles (per game) |
| 2024/25 | 15 | 3 | 4 | 1.9 | 2.5 |
| 2023/24 | 34 | 9 | 9 | 1.7 | 2.3 |
| 2022/23 | 35 | 15 | 8 | 1.4 | 2.2 |
| 2021/22 | 34 | 11 | 8 | 1.3 | 2.9 |
| 2020/21 | 30 | 6 | 6 | 0.9 | 1.3 |
Leao is unlikely to come cheap, but money has never proven to be a problem for Chelsea. At this moment in time, Chelsea are believed to be keen on Nico Williams, so he is probably a more realistic option for the Blues.
Fabrizio Romano claims Chelsea could sign a new forward in January transfer window
While there is nothing to suggest that Chelsea will make a move for Leao this month, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says the club could still do something in attack in the January transfer window amid all of the uncertainty surrounding Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: “In the offensive position, remember, Chelsea could still do something in the January transfer window. That’s my understanding, especially after what happened with Mudryk and let’s see what’s going to happen with Nkunku.”
If no one arrives, Enzo Maresca will still have Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto for the left wing, though the latter has been playing on the right of late.
All in all, it is probably fair to say that Chelsea are probably going to be one of the busier teams in this transfer window.
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