Chelsea had planned ‘quiet January – but ‘opportunistic’ transfers to raid Premier League rivals could happen

Chelsea weren’t planning a huge transfer window before Enzo Maresca’s exit – but they still might do a deal or two.

A total of 11 senior stars might have arrived in the summer, but that doesn’t mean they can’t improve their squad, especially with the Italian head coach leaving Stamford Bridge.

Getty

A £270million spree bought in a raft of young talent, including Estevao, Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, and Alejandro Garnacho, but experience is needed to help them.

And talkSPORT correspondent Ben Jacobs has admitted there are players on the Blues’ radar, however they had been intended as long-term options.

He told the Sports Breakfast: “I think Chelsea were expecting a quiet January, but now we’re at January 1 and they’re making all the back pages, but of course not specifically related to the transfer window.

“What they want in the long run is a midfielder.

“Elliot Anderson is one of the players on their radar. Adam Wharton is appreciated.

“Those are expected to be summer sagas [as well as] possibly another defender. But I think Chelsea would be quite happy with a quiet January and then to do the vast majority of their business in the summer.

“But they’re always opportunistic in the market so it wouldn’t be a surprise if one or two come through the door.

“Whether they are first team players remains to be seen but the main areas where they’d like to strengthen is the centre of midfield and maybe another centre-back.

“But remember if Wesley Fofana stays fit and Levi Colwill expected to return maybe in April they’ll think in the long run that’s a tried and tested centre-back pairing.

“There’s plenty of others that are centre-backs already at the club as well.

Getty

“So it might require an outgoing if they are to strengthen in defence, especially in January.”

Who wants Elliot Anderson?

The Nottingham Forest star’s rise since his arrival from Newcastle has been impressive to watch – and there are many observers.

Since his £35m transfer in the summer of 2024, Anderson has thrilled with his combative abilities and his ball progression.

This led to an England call-up and currently he’s an almost-certainty to head to the 2026 World Cup as a starter under Thomas Tuchel.

As a result, Manchester United and Man City have been credited with an interest in signing him.

Who wants Adam Wharton?

The ex-Blackburn Rovers star is in a similar boat to Anderson.

Getty

His form with Crystal Palace, which saw him win the FA Cup final and the Community Shield, also saw him earn international call-up with England.

Manchester United are also keen on him, while Tottenham are another side who have been reportedly looking at the player.

What is Chelsea’s centre-back situation?

In the centre of defence, an upgrade might be a smart move.

Injury issues have plagued the Blues with Levi Colwill out and Wesley Fofana suffering two ACL injuries since arriving in 2022.

Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo have had fluctuating form as the Blues fail to mount a serious title challenge.

Trevoh Chalobah, though, has impressed, while Josh Acheampong could do with more experience before being thrown in at the deep end.