da bwin： Chelsea could now hijack some ‘very advanced’ talks for a Real Madrid sensation who’s destined to be on the move in January, according to a new report.
da dobrowin： With persistent injury concerns in key positions this season, Enzo Maresca’s squad may require strategic reinforcement across three critical areas as the Blues navigate a challenging campaign.
Maresca has repeatedly found himself short, especially in defence, with Levi Colwill, Cole Palmer, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Malo Gusto, Enzo Fernández, Pedro Neto, Dario Essugo, Liam Delap, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Andrey Santos and Josh Acheampong all missing at some point through injury or suspension.
Despite spending close to £300 million in the summer, it is also believed that Maresca still isn’t entirely happy with his Chelsea squad, coming after he publicly requested a centre-back in the summer.
Rank
Club
Gross Spend
Sales
Net Spend
20.
Bournemouth
£136.7m
£202.5m
+£65.8m
19.
Brighton
£67.7m
£127.5m
+£59.8m
18.
Brentford
£92.8m
£152m
+£59.2m
17.
Wolves
£105.6m
£126.5m
+£20.9m
16.
Chelsea
£296.5m
£314.4m
+£17.9m
Chelsea are reportedly exploring goalkeeping options, with uncertainty surrounding Robert Sanchez, whose inconsistent performances divided the fanbase last season.
The club are extremely keen on AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, whose contract expires in 2026, and could move to offer the France number one a pre-contract in January. Chelsea had passed up the opportunity to sign Maignan in the summer as they weren’t prepared to meet Milan’s asking price, as per multiple reports, but a move is now back on the cards.
Chelsea also want a new centre-back in January, following reports that the club view it as a priority position, and there are claims that the west Londoners could even bring in another number nine.
BlueCo have reportedly been offered Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović, whose contract is winding down, meaning they could sign the Serbian for a bargain fee this winter.
Liam Delap has returned from a hamstring injury which kept him out for the majority of Chelsea’s early-season, and Joao Pedro is currently in excellent form as well. However, as we’ve already seen this term, Maresca’s bad luck with injuries and suspensions could well push them back into the market.
Chelsea are reportedly planning to raid Real Madrid for talent as we approach January, with star winger Rodrygo available for a cut-price fee as Maresca’s side closely monitor the situation (TEAMtalk).
However, Rodrygo isn’t the only Real star on their radar, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.
Chelsea ready to hijack 'very advanced' Lyon talks for Endrick
Lyon are in ‘very advanced’ talks over a loan deal for Endrick and an agreement is believed to be imminent, but Bailey reports that Chelsea could still swoop for the Brazilian striker.
As per the reporter, Chelsea are ready to offer Endrick game time in England ahead of next year’s World Cup, and he could ‘very well arrive’ at Stamford Bridge.
The 19-year-old, who’s still considered one of Brazil’s brightest young talents, hasn’t found room to feature for Xabi Alonso – playing just 11 minutes all season.
Endrick did fire Real to a Copa del Rey final last term, scoring five goals in the competition before their loss to Barcelona, but minutes in La Liga and Europe were much harder to come by.
The South American is now vying for an exit as he aims to get more game time and work his way into Ancelotti’s Brazil squad, with the prospect of a Premier League move potentially enough to make him change his mind about joining Lyon.