Chelsea's midfield shortlist may be exhaustive but it could also be necessary. The Blues are looking to bring it at least one new player in that position in January to counter-balance the injuries and contract issues heading into the summer but also have a chance to get ahead of the competition.
Clubs from around Europe also hold an interest in many of their targets and are preparing for bidding wars to secure transfers of Declan Rice and Enzo Fernandez, whilst Brighton duo Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister are also attracting suitors. With the post-World Cup uncertainty and financial struggles and ownership changes across the board, Chelsea have seen this as a chance to strike whilst the iron is hot.
A deal for David Datro Fofana due to be ratified on January 1 has already been confirmed, whilst it is just an official announcement away from Christopher Nkunku also being confirmed as a player for the summer. Meanwhile, the youth recruitment has continued, with Andrey Santos close to joining too.
READ MORE: Jude Bellingham turned down Chelsea transfer as Todd Boehly looks to fix Frank Lampard mistake
Getting in a position to sign players before rivals was a privilege not afforded to Todd Boehly last summer as the business of purchasing Chelsea was being completed. The trick hasn't been missed this time around, with one of the most proactive periods of business Chelsea have done in years taking place.
That still may not help much with Bellingham, though. ESPN report that Real Madrid are prepared to pay €100million (£88.6million) offer for the 19-year-old. Although the European champions may well be battling against Chelsea and Liverpool to get the Borussia Dortmund star it hasn't stopped them from stating their intentions.
That being said, it is also written that Los Blancos could call upon pre-existing relationships between club president Florentino Perez and Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke. Manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted that he doesn't expect to see any January incomings, effectively ruling out what was an already unlikely move for Bellingham over the winter, but that wouldn't stop Madrid doing exactly as Chelsea have been in the past months and making progress regardless.
Speaking earlier this week, Ancelotti revealed the plans for January. "We don’t need signings in January, our market is closed - then for departures we will see with some players," he said. "We signed Endrick, top talent. I saw him last year and we talked a bit, he’ll join in 2024. We are happy and excited at the club."
Madrid have already taken action to revamp their midfield in recent windows by signing Edourdo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni but they, like many clubs, see Bellingham as the true crowning jewel.
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