Chelsea have been looking for additional attacking reinforcements for the past few weeks but have yet to land any players to help add them Major league ambitions.
Enzo Maresco led the Blues to a top-four finish having already played more than half the campaign, potentially securing a Champions League spot in his first season at Stamford Bridge.
However, if he does, he may be tempted to make new additions to his squad, as seen in their attempts to improve the options in the final third in recent weeks.
As you can see from the previous windows, the funds can be spent, but it is very important that the hierarchy determines the quality, not the quantity, to ensure the difference in the coming months.
Two names have been constantly on their radar of late and one of them is likely to move if the club sign a new striker before the window closes.
Chelsea will start looking for a new winger in January
Former Blues academy star Jamie Byno-Gitens made a name for himself away from West London after leaving as a teenager, eventually leading him to his current home of Borussia Dortmund.
His form 11 goals and three assists in the 2024/25 season seen to date rumors link him to a comeback to the club of his childhood, but also to Liverpool credited to interest after observing him beforehand.
Another option which was on Maresca’s radarManchester United winger Alejandro Garnachoafter the Red Devils confirmed they are parting ways with their own academy star to raise funds for their PSR standing.
Earlier it was advertised that he was Argentine could be available for around £55m this window but could face serious competition from Serie A side Napoli as they look to replace Hvic Kvaratchelia, who joined PSG last week.
However, while Garnacho may seem the most likely striker to join the Blues, the hierarchy would surely be better off targeting one other Premier League star who could well leave his current club this month.
Why Cunha would be a more important signing than Garnacho for Chelsea
As previously mentioned, the two strikers were not the only players the club looked to improve the current situation.
The Strikers have also discussed ending their long-standing pursuit of a new number nine, but they could land an option that could feature in all of the aforementioned positions.
They could re-deal for the Wolverhampton Wanderers striker. Mateus Cunha after having previously established contact with the relegation-threatened side in favor of the Brazilian.
Arsenal and Nottingham Forest interest was also accrued in the former Atletico Madrid ace, who may be available for around the £60m mark this window.
A 25-year-old boy is registered 10 goals and four assists in the top division for England in his 21 caps, currently the only player in Vitor Pereira’s squad to reach double-figure contributions.
Analyzing his numbers in the current campaign, he has vastly outperformed Harnach in various key areas for the striker, underlining what a key addition he would be for Moreski’s men.
Cunha, who was tagged as “one of the best” in the Premier League, according to one Opta analyst, has far surpassed Harnach in terms of material rewards in front of goal, as seen in his goals and assists.
How Cunha compares to Garnacho in PL (2024/25) |
||
---|---|---|
Statistics (at 90) |
Kunya |
grenache |
Played games |
21 |
21 |
Goals and assists |
14 |
4 |
Progressive passes |
4.5 |
1.6 |
Shot-forming actions |
3.9 |
3 |
Admissions are complete |
2.1 |
1 |
Success rate |
45% |
26% |
Athletes won |
32% |
5% |
Statistics through FBref |
He also completed more take and have achieved a higher level of successhaving the opportunity to feature in a variety of attacking roles alongside the likes of Cole Palmer up top – ultimately increasing their push for a top four finish.
Given the £5m difference in price tags, the Blues would be much better off shelling out the extra funds for a player who can provide the immediate impact the boss now wants.
With Arsenal and Forest continuing to push, a move could be difficult for the Brazilian, but given the financial backing of Todd Boley in recent years, the American could do more magic in sealing a deal for one of the most sought-after of talent in the division.