Chelsea boss Graham Potter may not have much money available to him in the January transfer market to bolster his first team squad despite a reported ‘pressing’ need for a centre-back and a striker. The Blues have been hit hard on the injury front following Armando Broja’s knock in the friendly against Aston Villa.
It leaves Potter with just Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Kai Havertz as options through the middle. Neither forwards impressed massively before the World Cup with Aubameyang finding the net just once since his move from Barcelona.
Todd Boehly invested huge sums during his first summer as Chelsea owner, but the January window will be Potter’s first in charge. With the Blues sitting eighth in the table, they already face a battle on their hands to clinch a Champions League spot.
And the January window could be an opportunity for Potter to stamp his authority on the current Chelsea squad. According to The Athletic, the Chelsea manager has two priorities heading into next month – a centre-back and a central striker.
Benoit Badiashile is reportedly the top target in defence to play on the left side of a back three. Chelsea are also said to be in the market for a midfielder and a back-up goalkeeper, although they’re not seen as pressing.
David Datro Fofana is already set to arrive at Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks following his move from Molde. But it’s been suggested the 20-year-old will be loaned out immediately in January as the club want him to gain more experience elsewhere.
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That likely means going back into the market for a striker, but the report states that Potter may not have the funds available to him. It is said that Chelsea are planning ‘an ambitious recruitment drive’ in the summer transfer window and money is being put aside for the end of the season.
Money is also currently being used to invest in Chelsea’s academy with Andrey Santos the latest through the door, in a deal that could be worth up to £35m. Chelsea had been strongly linked with Brazilian starlet Endrick, but Real Madrid beat them to his signature.
They’re now said to be looking at Vitor Roque as an alternative to Endrick, but he too will likely be one for the future at 17 years of age.
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