Chelsea have been among the Premier League‘s biggest spenders in recent years and that could continue in January. The west Londoners have overseen a huge turnover of players since being taken over by their current owners. There is little sign of their recruitment slowing down, with several big names already linked ahead of the winter window.
Youth has been at the forefront of their approach, though, and more budding talents could be about to arrive at Stamford Bridge. It remains to be seen how the window will unfold for Chelsea, who sit inside the Premier League’s top four on goal difference. An injection of star quality in January could be the difference-maker when it comes to securing Champions League football next season.
Express Sport rounds up the latest Chelsea transfer news on Christmas Day…
Bouaddi deal lined up
Chelsea are lining up a £47million swoop for Lille’s young midfield general Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to CaughtOffside.
The teenager has emerged as one of Europe’s most coveted talents in recent months and is said to be attracting interest from many of the continent’s biggest clubs.
Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal are thought to be tracking Bouaddi’s development but Chelsea appear to be further ahead in the race, with the Blues said to be plotting a formal January bid.
Another wonderkid on radar
Not content with signing just one brilliant young player, Chelsea are reportedly well-positioned to sign another wonderkid before the January window closes.
They are leading the race for Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga, who recently became the youngest goalscorer in Championship history, according to TEAMtalk.
He is viewed as a generational talent but the Foxes are reportedly reluctant to sell him in January before he turns 17.
Semenyo truth emerges
Chelsea ended their interest in Antoine Semenyo because they ‘got the feeling’ that he would rather go somewhere else, according to Sky Sports.
An enquiry was submitted earlier this week but the west Londoners quickly ended their interest in the forward, who has a £65m release clause.
Semenyo is believed to prefer the idea of joining Manchester City, with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal set to miss out on his signature.
Youngster could seal exit
Chelsea youngster Leo Castledine is attracting interest from Championship sides after making an impressive start to his loan spell at Huddersfield Town.
That’s according to The Mirror, who say the Blues could sell him in January as the funds generated would go down as pure profit.
Castledine, a versatile attacking midfielder, has scored eight goals and registered one assist for Huddersfield so far this season.