The impressive bargain duo Chelsea can sign in January to beat Arsenal to Premier League titleplaceholder image
The impressive bargain duo Chelsea can sign in January to beat Arsenal to Premier League title | Getty Images
Chelsea are Arsenal’s closest challengers for the Premier League title with the Blues six points behind the Gunners
The Blues are six points behind the Gunners ahead of the game and before any of the weekend action, are the closest challengers to Mikel Arteta’s side. A win for the hosts would send out a huge statement while victory for Arsenal could all-but end any hopes the Enzo Maresca’s side might have of winning the title.
Chelsea last lifted the title in 2016-17 when they strolled to their sixth domestic title under Antonio Conte. The Blues have spent a lot of money in the last couple of seasons but that outlay now appears to finally be reaping some rewards.
However, they are not yet the finished article and will need to strengthen in January if they want to be considered serious contenders for the title. Arsenal will be difficult to knock off top spot but they are still catchable.
And there are two players out there who the Blues could sign for bargain prices.
Chelsea must pursue Mike Maignan deal
Chelsea had tried to sign Mike Maignan before the Club World Cup but the deal fell through and they did not return for the AC Milan star. He is out of contract in the summer and free to speak to other clubs outside of Italy about a pre-contract from January 1.
With his deal at the San Siro running out, AC Milan could be willing to let him go but they will not be able to demand a high transfer fee due to his contract situation.
It has been reported by Sky Sport that Chelsea want Maignan this January with it claimed the Blues are “accelerating behind the scenes. The London club are actively working to reorganize their goalkeeping department.”
Maignan is just one piece of the puzzle, however, as Chelsea could also do with strengthen at centre-back.
Chelsea should go after Marc Guehi
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is poised to leave Selhurst Park at some point in 2026. He is out of contract at the end of the campaign and could leave in January for the right price. Again, this would be another transfer fee that would be relative bargain given the qualities of the impressive England international.
He is strongly linked with Premier League rivals Liverpool, who had a agreed a £35m deal for him back in the summer but the move collapsed on deadline day.
However, Arne Slot’s side are currently in turmoil while Chelsea are threatening for the Premier League title and have also looked impressive in the Champions League. Adding two quality players who can immediately make Maresca’s side better is almost a no-brainer for the Blues - who could well challenge for the title with Maignan and Guehi on board.
Sky Sports have reported that Chelsea have “zero expectations” of winning the title this season and want to build a team “for the next five to ten years”. However, both players mentioned can improve Chelsea now and be long-term solutions too. Maignan is 30-years-old but for any good goalkeeper, they can continue playing at a high level until 35 while Guehi is entering his prime years.
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