Chelsea appear to still be in the market for a striker despite having already welcomed David Datro Fofana and Joao Felix to the club this month. Graham Potter has endured a turbulent start to life at Stamford Bridge but the 47-year-old will be hoping that new signings can help further implement his ideas on the pitch.
So, Borussia Monchengladbach star Marcus Thuram has been identified by the west Londoners as a candidate who can solve the Blues' goalscoring misfortunes. The France international has impressed for club and country this season, attracting significant interest from a number of top-flight European clubs.
Thuram sees his contract with the German outfit expire at the end of the season and is set to be available for a cut-price fee. There has been no indication - as of yet - that he'll pen an extension with Monchengladbach so Chelsea seem eager on wrapping up an shrewd acquisition.
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With that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest news as race for Thuram takes another turn.
Major claim
Borussia Monchengladbach coach Daniel Farke has admitted that he expects Marcus Thuram to stay at the club in January, amid links with a move away. He told reporters: "If we're talking about Marcus now, for example, I don't think there are that many clubs that particularly appeal to him.
"I think he feels right at home here at Borussia Monchengladbach. He came back [from the World Cup] in good shape and condition, and is motivated. You can never rule out anything in this business, but I am very, very sure that he will play a very, very good second half of the season for us."
Official bid
According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, the club are considering an 'official offer' for the striker but a spanner has been thrown in the works. It's said that Thuram wants to stay at Borussia Monchengladbach this month and see out the remainder of his contract.
Chelsea open talks
The Blues have 'opened talks' to explore a January deal for the Bundesliga striker, according to Fabrizio Romano. Thuram would be available via a free transfer in the summer if he were to not pen an extension at Borussia-Park.
It's said that the France international will take his time and 'consider all the options'. With a bargain on the cards, Romano adds that the west Londoners see the signing of Thuram as a 'big opportunity'.
Price tag set
According to Italian broadcaster SportMediaset, as quoted by InterNews, Borussia Monchengladbach would want around €15million (£13.2million) for Thuram in January. With the striker set to leave for free in the summer, the German side may be inclined to cash in.
Weghorst clue grants Chelsea boost
Manchester United target Weghorst looks to have handed Chelsea a huge boost in the race to sign Borussia Monchengladbach star Thuram. The 30-year-old striker, who is on loan from Burnley at Besiktas, scored for the Turkish giants on Saturday in a 2-1 win over Kasimpasa.
After finding the net, Weghorst appeared to bid farewell to the Besiktas fans. He kissed the Besiktas badge, made a heart symbol with his hands and affectionately reached out to the supporters, gesturing that he's sorry.
The Netherlands international has emerged as a surprise target for United as Erik ten Hag looks to replace Cristiano Ronaldo. But, according to the BBC, there is no break clause in the loan deal, so talks involve all three clubs. With Weghorst seeming set to join United, Chelsea have one less potential suitor to worry about.
Arsenal competition
Ahead of the January transfer window, AC Milan and Arsenal were credited with interested in Thuram, according to Milan Live. The report stated that the Frenchman had been on Mikel Arteta's radar for 'some time'.
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