Despite a reported ‘pressing’ need for a centre-back and a striker, Chelsea manager Graham Potter may not have much money available to him in the January transfer market to bolster his first team squad..
Following Armando Broja’s knock in the friendly against Aston Villa, the Blues have been hit hard on the injury front.
Potter is left with only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Kai Havertz as options in the middle. Neither forward stood out prior to the World Cup, with Aubameyang scoring just once since joining from Barcelona.
Todd Boehly poured money into Chelsea during his first summer as owner, but the January transfer window will be Potter’s first..
The Blues are currently eighth in the table and face an uphill battle to qualify for the Champions League.
Potter may be able to stamp his authority on the current Chelsea squad during the January transfer window. According to The Athletic, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has two targets for next month: a center-back and a central striker.
Benoit Badiashile is said to be the top defensive target to play on the left side of a back three. Chelsea are also said to be looking for a midfielder and a back-up goalkeeper, though neither position is considered urgent.
Following his move from Molde, David Datro Fofana is expected to arrive at Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks..
However, it has been reported that the 20-year-old will be loaned out immediately in January as the club wishes for him to gain more experience elsewhere.
That means returning to the market for a striker, but according to the report, Potter may not have the necessary funds. Chelsea are said to be planning a “ambitious recruitment drive” in the summer transfer window, with funds set aside for the end of the season.
Money is also being invested in Chelsea’s academy, with Andrey Santos the most recent arrival in a deal worth up to £35 million. Chelsea had been heavily linked with Brazilian starlet Endrick, but Real Madrid outbid them for his services..
They’re now said to be considering Vitor Roque as a replacement for Endrick, but at 17 years old, he’ll be a long shot..
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