Chelsea have officially announced the signing of Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix on loan for the remainder of the 2022/23 season. The 23-year-old joins having signed a contract extension in the Spanish capital and without a buy clause inserted into the deal, meaning it is a short-term fix for the squad.
Given the nature of the Blues' position this season, it makes sense that urgent action is desired, with the side sitting 10th in the league and knocked out of both domestic cup competitions. A number of key injuries in the squad has left Graham Potter short in some departments, cranking up the pressure for the task at hand.
While Felix signing may be something of a boost to the side, the Blues shouldn't be done with signings there as a clear plan and execution of that plan has to be undertaken. A number of key areas are still yet to be addressed in both the short and long-term, so with that said, here's a look at five transfers Chelsea should look to make in January.
READ MORE: Joao Felix's Chelsea shirt number confirmed after Atletico Madrid loan transfer deal completed
Enzo Fernandez
Chelsea's move for Benfica and Argentina star Enzo Fernandez this January was an ideal move to solve their midfield woes for the future. Jorginho and N'Golo Kante are set to be free agents in the summer and the quality and depth beyond them is limited.
Fernandez offers ideal ball progression for the style of play Potter is trying to implement at the club and at 21-years-old, would be one for the future too. The only down side could be the huge fee, with a £105million release clause, however negotiating to pay above that to get preferential terms could be ideal.
Mykhaylo Mudryk
Chelsea were linked with a move to hijack Arsenal's deal for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk this January transfer window. The 22-year-old has plenty of promise and the numbers he has managed in a short span of time suggest he could be an elite winger in the short-term and beyond.
Pedro Porro
It should come as little surprise that Chelsea need to sort out their right flank, with Reece James being such an influential player on that side. His recent bouts of injury have left the side limp in comparison to when he is involved and given there isn't a like-for-like replacement, that should be one of the priorities.
Sporting CP right-back Pedro Porro should be an option that is explored in the coming weeks, with the 23-year-old impressing with the Portuguese side in both domestic and Champions League games. A reported £40million release clause may be an easier way of triggering the deal too.
Manu Kone
If you haven't heard of Manu Kone, you almost certainly will in the coming few years. The 21-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder has been a stalwart this season, starting almost every Bundesliga game possible, impressing with his ball-carrying ability.
Given the Blues' need to stock up in the midfield with players for the future, Kone could be an ideal target that may be a superstar in years to come.
Youssoufa Moukoko
Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko is another for the future who could play a role in the current side, having recently broke into first-team action and earning a place in the Germany national team World Cup squad. Chelsea are in desperate need for a presence at the top end of the pitch too.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is limited in what he can do at the latter end of his career while Armando Broja is ruled out for the rest of the campaign. Both Kai Havertz and Joao Felix facilitate similar roles on the pitch, usually dropping into half spaces rather than occupying defenders, showing the need for a striker.
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