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Marc Guehi | Getty Images
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has the opportunity to bring in some new faces in the January transfer window
Chelsea are back in action on Saturday at home to Aston Villa. Their upcoming opponents are flying high in 3rd behind Arsenal and Manchester City so will be tough opponents. Enzo Maresca’s side are seven points behind them in the table after 17 fixtures.
The London outfit drew 2-2 away at Newcastle United last time out and are level with Liverpool in 5th position. Reece James and Joao Pedro got their goals in the North East against the Magpies. Here is a look at how Maresca’s starting XI could look if the January rumours are true....
Chelsea goalkeeper and defence
Robert Sanchez has been Chelsea’s number one this season. He has been on the books at Stamford Bridge since joining from Brighton and Hove Albion back in 2023. Filip Jorgensen provides back-up between the sticks from the bench.
Reece James is versatile and can play at right-back or in midfield if needed. When fit, he should easily find his way into Maresca’s team. Malo Gusto is another option to pick from in his position if needed. On the other flank of defence, Marc Cucurella is an important asset for the Blues and is a steady and dependable player.
In the heart of the backline, Chelsea have been linked with a move this winter for Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano, as per the Metro. The 27-year-old has been with the Bundesliga giants since 2021 and has since been a regular. Prior to his move to the Allianz Arena, he caught the eye at RB Leipzig.
Crystal Palace face a battle to keep hold of key centre-back Marc Guehi next month. He is out of contract at the end of the campaign and is due to become a free agent in June 2026. The Blues are keen on re-signing him if possible but face competition from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City, among others, via TEAMtalk.
Chelsea midfield and attack
Chelsea pair Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are their two strongest options in the middle of the park. James can play there if needed, whilst they also have Andrey Santos and Romeo Lavia (when fit). They could probably do with some more bodies in that area.
The Blues are said to be interested in RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. According to Fichajes, he is on their radar and is valued at around the £87million mark. If he joined, he would compete with the likes of Jamie Gittens, Pedro Neto, Tyrique George and Alejandro Garnacho for game time.
Cole Palmer is back fit again and will be eager to show what he is capable of over the coming months. Chelsea are in the mix to land AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo. Sky Sports have suggested they have made an enquiry amid his £65million release clause with Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United also admirers.
At the top end of the pitch, although they have Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, another attacker may be desired. With that in mind, Palmeiras’ Vitor Roque is a name to look out for. Sky Sports Switzerland have reported he is of interest to the Blues.
Chelsea XI in full: Sanchez; James, Upamecano, Guehi, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Diomande, Palmer, Semenyo; Roque
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