January Transfer Targets: Chelsea

By Zach Malamud

Chelsea are 16 points behind league leaders Man City but are just 1 point behind 2nd place Man United. The premier league champions have struggled at some points this season as they have lost in games that most people would say the should’ve won. These games include a 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace who lost their first 7 games before winning this match for their first win of the season and a 1-0 loss to West Ham who was in the relegation zone at the time. With Antonio Conte giving up in the title race, here are some transfer targets that can help Chelsea secure a spot in the Champions League next season:

#1. Yannick Carrasco- Atletico Madrid

The 24-year old winger has so much potential to become a star. He has been through some fallouts this season with team-mates Koke and Gabi which means that he is free to leave Atletico during the January transfer window. The Belgian winger is also linked with a move to Arsenal, Tottenham and Bayern Munich which can make a move to Chelsea a lot more expensive. Therefore, Chelsea have a slim chance of securing the winger

#2. Jean Michaël Seri- Nice

Seri is another target of Antonio Conte and his look for an extra midfielder. The 26-year old midfielder would be a signing for more depth at that spot of the Chelsea squad. The Ivory Coast man can be an option for with Cesc Fabregas getting older. He has also been linked with a move to Liverpool, but with the signing of Virgil Van Dijk it seems that Liverpool are done with their January spending. Therefore, Seri could end up in a Chelsea uniform for the right amount of money.

#3. Arturo Vidal- Bayern Munich

This is a more surprising name to see on Chelsea’s shortlist but with Conte keen to bring his good friend Vidal to the bridge, the deal could end up happening in the January window. The Chilean midfielder is now 30 and has just 18 months left on his contract. With the Bundesliga winners bringing in a lot of young players, they could look to cash in and get around 50 million euros for their top class midfielder.

#4. Gareth Bale- Real Madrid

Challenging Manchester United for the Welshman’s signature, Chelsea are looking for another world-class winger with Eden Hazard on one side. Bale is now 28 and has had experience in the premier league when he played for Tottenham for 6 seasons before being sold to Real Madrid for 101 million euros in 2013. Bale can also help Chelsea in the Champions League where they will have to play La Liga leaders FC Barcelona in the round of 16. Therefore, I see Chelsea beating Man United to a deal for Bale.

Bale is certainly in the rumors to be on their way out, but is it to Chelsea? (via Goal)

#5. James Tarkowski- Burnley

Tarkowski is having the best season of his career and with Burnley in 7th place, a lot of the credit will go to him. This has gotten Chelsea interested into getting another center back with David Luiz reportedly close to a move to Real Madrid. The English defender would be a huge help and allow them to focus on a Champions League spot. However, I believe that Burnley’s key to success has been their defense coming up big in tough situations so I don’t think they will look to give up their top defender.

Zach Malamud is a contributing writer for Dabuzzza. He is a radio host of The Plainview Blitz on WPOB 88.5 FM. He loves soccer and basketball and finds himself watching Manchester City on a regular basis. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Kevin De Bruyne. You can follow him on twitter at @Zachmalnyy