Chelsea are certainly keeping their cards close to their chest this month when it comes to what they are up to in the transfer window.
The Chelsea Chronicle, therefore, spoke to HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey about what is happening right now.
Most of the talk so far this month has been about loanees, with Ian Maatsen being the highlight departure to Borussia Dortmund.
There could be some more following him out the door, which may finally open up the opportunity for them to bring in some players.
Andrey Santos
After his return from a disastrous loan spell at Nottingham Forest, Bailey doesn’t necessarily believe Andrey Santos will be anywhere other than Stamford Bridge for the rest of the campaign.
He said: “It’s a strange one because he was so impressive in pre-season. He was ahead of Ugochukwu in the pecking order. They got so unlucky with Forest, as they got Sangare in and made a lot of late deals. You can say Chelsea chose poorly, but him getting a season in the Premier League would have been ideal.
“I think they haven’t made that decision yet, I think they’re going to assess the situation over the next two weeks and see what offers are on the table. It may be a case that he does say, and builds his confidence back up at Chelsea.
“They’ll see in the last week and take it from there, but I don’t think they’d be against him staying. They’ll obviously discuss it with the player too.”
Victor Osimhen
One of the noted big targets for the club for the last year or so has been Victor Osimhen, however there has been little to no movement on that one this month.
Bailey stated that he believes the Blues remain confident that they can secure his signing in the summer, potentially by entering negotiations before the transfer window even opens.
He said: “I don’t think anyone will look to pay the release clause in full. Chelsea will probably try to do something before the summer. He’s the number one target, but it was never going to happen in January.
“Chelsea if anything are quite happy he’s signed this new deal with the release clause. It makes it a lot easier, especially with negotiating with one of the toughest negotiators in European football. They’d rather pay in instalments so I think that’s where we’ll see the talks coming in.
“I wouldn’t necessarily rule Manchester United out going forwards, although it’s tough seeing how much they spent on one this season. But there’s going to be competition, he’s one of the best number nine’s in world football.
“I don’t think Barcelona or Real Madrid will be in for Osimhen. I think they’ve got bigger fish to fry, with Mbappe and Haaland’s situations. I do wonder about PSG though. The other team who could be hovering in the shadows is Liverpool if they need to replace Mo Salah.
“He is the one they want though, I think they should have done it last summer personally. It sounds stupid but I think Chelsea are only three signings away from being real challengers. I really do.”
Short-term striker option
In terms of any potential striker signing this month, Bailey warned Blues fans to not get too excited despite the fact they are looking for a short-term solution for the problem.
He said: “We got told for this month it would be a short-term deal, which they are looking at but don’t hold out much hope for them. They’ve been a bit unlucky with Nkunku up to now because they would’ve thought he would be starting games by now.”
Wesley Fofana future
Another position Chelsea have been linked with strengthening is centre-back, despite them having a strong young core for the future already in place.
We asked if this is anything to do with the injury record of Wesley Fofana, who has not been seen this campaign after an issue in pre-season.
Bailey said: “He’s definitely part of the long-term plans, and I think he’s a fabulous player. But obviously, you will be looking out there.
“There’s a plethora of top young centre-backs doing the rounds, and a lot of them are in Portugal. Diomande, Andre Silva and Inacio at Sporting Lisbon.
“You’ve made some really ordinary signings, and obviously Thiago Silva still has to be replaced in the near future. There is definitely a new name on the agenda, but they still have a lot of confidence that Fofana will come good.
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