Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of Chelsea, is pressing for more additions to the team as the January transfer window draws near. Since the 2022 takeover, the club has witnessed outlays over £1 billion ($1.3 billion). The manager from Argentina has determined which positions are critical for reinforcement, and his top three shopping lists are defender, midfielder, and striker for this Chelsea winter transfer.
Santiago Gimenez (Feyenoord)
In the rumour mill regarding Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen, Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez surfaces as a possible affordable option for Chelsea’s ninth slot. Gimenez might be a better value option at a price range of £35m-£60m ($44m-$76m) than the huge sums connected with other targets, given his impressive record of 20 goals in 22 games this season.
Joao Palhinha (Fulham)
Chelsea needs more depth in their center midfield after spending a lot of money on Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. Joao Palhinha of Fulham is the player Pochettino is targeting to fill this void. Palhinha, a midfielder with Premier League experience, could completely change the lineup by offering defensive consistency as well as the flexibility to switch things up to lower the chance of injury.
Nico Elvedi (Borussia Monchengladbach)
Chelsea is in desperate need of defensive reinforcement after club captain Reece James has been dealing with hamstring difficulties for some time. One of the associated choices is Nico Elvedi from Borussia Monchengladbach. Elvedi is a versatile player who can play center defense or right back. His versatility might be important for Chelsea, and he could go for about £30 million ($38 million).
Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP)
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP shows up on Chelsea’s radar as a substitute for well-known strikers. Gyokeres, who is 6′ 2″, responds to Pochettino’s wish to increase team height by providing a strong presence. His €100 million (£86 million/$109 million) release clause is a possible sticking point, though, since Sporting CP has shown little interest in haggling over a cheaper price.
Football transfer rumours: Chelsea move for Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres? https://t.co/HLnZhSkcr7
— Guardian Newsletters (@GdnNewsletters) January 17, 2024
Amadou Onana (Everton)
Though Chelsea turned down offers for him a year ago, Everton’s Amadou Onana is still a target. Because of his height and Premier League experience, the towering midfielder is a good rotation option and fits perfectly with Chelsea’s youth program. Onana is worth roughly £55 million ($70 million) to Everton, which might provide a financial hurdle for Chelsea.
Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)
Jonathan Tah of Bayer Leverkusen is apparently being eyed by Chelsea, despite the abundance of options available to them in central defense. Tah is a desirable option because of worries about Fofana’s chronic injury and the status and future of Thiago Silva. Tah may provide leadership and experience to the Chelsea defense, with a release clause rumoured to be as low as €18 million (£15 million/$20 million).
Read more: What Tottenham need this winter transfer window?
Chelsea must make difficult choices in Pochettino’s pursuit of January reinforcements to strike the correct mix between cost-effectiveness and bolstering vital areas to preserve their competitive edge. The Blues’ fans are excited to see what steps the team takes to guarantee their spot in the Premier League when the transfer market opens.
