Graham Potter will be eager to make a number of signings in the January transfer window in order to mould the Chelsea side to his philosophy. The new Blues boss has enjoyed an unbeaten start to life in the job, with notable results against AC Milan - home and away in the Champions League.
He'll be looking to extend his run leading up to the World Cup in November, but with injuries beginning to pile up amid an already congested fixture schedule, Potter will be keen to draft in reinforcements, whether they're placeholders or first-team players.
Finding that balance amid recruitment will be crucial to keeping the harmony among the Chelsea squad, with a number of players already seemingly unhappy with diminutive game time and, therefore, linked with exits. So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at how Chelsea could lineup after Potter makes three perfect signings in the upcoming transfer window.
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Josko Gvardiol
Josko Gvardiol netted the opening goal in RB Leipzig's 3-2 win over Real Madrid as he continues to grow into one of Europe's finest talents. The 20-year-old defender was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in the summer, but a switch failed to materialise after penning a five-year deal with the German giants instead.
football.london understand that Chelsea hold an interest in the Croatia international, but Leipzig do not want to sell the defender. According to The Telegraph, there's a £43.6million release clause in his contract at the Red Bull Arena.
In May, a report from Croatia claimed that the youngster's father flew to London to discuss a possible move with former head coach Thomas Tuchel. Gvardiol was reportedly eyed as a perfect replacement for Antonio Rudiger on the left of a back-three by the German.
With the Croatian's release clause deemed a bargain by many, Chelsea should swoop in and wrap up a deal before it's too late.
Bruno Guimaraes
The Blues are in desperate need of midfield reinforcements in January. N'Golo Kante, who is expected to be out for nearly four months, and Jorginho both see their deals at Stamford Bridge expire at the end of the season.
While Declan Rice would be the dream option, if Boehly can sign Guimaraes, then Potter shouldn't pass up on the opportunity. According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea have expressed an interest in the Newcastle United star.
However, Chelsea are said to face great competition for the Brazil international from Real Madrid, who are also eyeing a move. The 24-year-old joined the Magpies in the summer for £40million and will have four years remaining on his deal in the summer.
The report adds that Newcastle are preparing talks to extend the Brazilian's contract amid the growing interest in Guimaraes. It's believed that he's set to be offered an increased £200,000-a-week deal.
Jonathan David
Potter wants to sign a striker in January, according to French outlet Jeunes Footeux. The report states that former Arsenal target Jonathan David has been shortlisted and is being considered as an heir to the ageing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The £51.8million-rated striker, who sees his deal at Stade Pierre-Mauroy expire in 2025, has featured 12 times for Lille in Ligue 1 this season, directly contributing towards 12 goals. His impressive displays once courted the interest of Mikel Arteta before the Gunners opted to sign Gabriel Jesus instead.
David would be an exciting arrival in January who could inject some life into Chelsea's attack following the World Cup.
How would Chelsea lineup?
Potter is spoilt for options when picking Chelsea's front three. But, if the new Blues boss is eager to sign a new striker, then Boehly must put faith in the 47-year-old.
Early results have proved why Potter needs backing. With regard to midfield, a partnership between Guimaraes and Kovacic is a very attractive prospect.
As aforementioned, Rice is, of course, the ideal option and signing Guimaraes leaves that door open for the West Ham captain to come in one day.
The west Londoners are also treated for option at the back. Though for the price Gvardiol is said to be available for, Chelsea must recognize the bargain that they could get - even if the Croatian is loaned back to RB Leipzig until the end of the season.
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