Hopes of drastic improvements at Chelsea following a dismal last season are quickly fading with the Blues sat in the bottom half of the table despite another summer of heavy spending in the transfer market.
Boss Mauricio Pochettino has failed to have the desired impact at the club thus far and his young team is yet to show the progress fans had hoped they would see. Their 2-0 defeat at Everton on Sunday prompted Pochettino to hint that more signings would be required in the January transfer window if things do not improve before then, and reports suggest several players could also be on their way out of the club in the new year.
Chelsea have potential, but whether that potential ever realises itself is another thing. That potential has to be backed up with clear progress and results, and the Blues simply cannot have another campaign where they finish in the bottom half of the table.
That is why the ownership need to provide Pochettino with proven, experienced Premier League talent in January to improve results in the short-term and get the fans back onside for the long-term plan.
With that in mind, here’s three players Chelsea could target in January to help achieve that…
Ivan Toney
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Brentford striker hasn’t played since last season because of a ban after admitting breaching FA betting regulations but is set to return to playing in January. The 27-year-old scored 20 Premier League goals for the Bees last season and is a natural finisher, something Chelsea are severely lacking at this moment in time. Pochettino spoke after the Everton defeat about the lack of aggression and physicality from his side, and Toney brings that in abundance. He is a monster in the air and is excellent at holding the ball up, as well as bringing the obvious ability to convert chances in the box at a high rate.
His absence from football provides some doubt over what condition he will be in but based on what he has already done in his two seasons in the top flight, Chelsea should bet on him getting back to that level. Brentford would rightfully demand a hefty fee but if the Blues can once again move on players to free up the necessary cash then he should be one of their top targets.
Aaron Ramsdale
Embed from Getty ImagesAaron Ramsdale’s lack of game time at Arsenal this season following the club’s decision to bring in David Raya has been well documented. Ramsdale was excellent for the Gunners last season and a big part of their title challenge, and is simply too good to be a second choice goalkeeper. Chelsea should look to capitalise on Ramsdale’s position at Arsenal and there is no doubt the 25-year-old wants to play more games than he currently is. A move across London could appeal to the England international and would provide Chelsea with more assurance in goal, with Robert Sanchez struggling to convince since joining from Brighton.
Joao Palhinha
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Fulham midfielder was close to signing for Bayern Munich in the summer before he ended up staying put and signing a new, extended contract with the club. It would therefore require a huge fee for Fulham to consider selling the 28-year-old and given Chelsea have already spent more than £100m each on Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, another big central midfield acquisition might not be on the cards. If the funds are there, though, Palhinha would add the aggression Pochettino desires in the middle of the park. He is the league leader in tackles made by some way with 72 and is among the best in the world when it comes to regaining possession. He would add more competitiveness and strength to a young midfield.
