The noise coming out of Chelsea during the first few days of the January window suggested that Liam Rosenior’s side probably wouldn’t be active this month.
But in the last couple of days, there have been a couple of hints that Chelsea could become active. Liam Rosenior told reporters in his latest press conference that he still needs to talk with the Chelsea hierarchy.
If Chelsea were to enter the transfer window, the chances are that Rosenior would want his options at the back improved. A new goalkeeper to replace Robert Sanchez, and some better options at centre-back.
Chelsea’s stance on January transfers under Liam Rosenior is clear 🗣️
What signings do you want to see?
Chelsea's January transfer window stance
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
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Chelsea haven’t made any signings yet, and the only bit of business involving Chelsea this month is the permanent sale of highly-rated Leo Castledine to Middlesbrough after a super spell with Huddersfield.
Chelsea’s top priority with January window at midway stage
Antoine Semenyo completed a £65m move to Man City earlier this month, and already, the Bournemouth hero has scored twice for City, including a crucial goal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Brentford and Bournemouth
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
It won’t come as a surprise that Chelsea checked on Semenyo before his move to Man City, according to BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella. He reports that a ‘high-quality attacker’ is high on Chelsea’s list of priorities.
Whether Chelsea make a move for an attacking option before the end of the month remains to be seen. Certainly, the majority of players linked with Chelsea this month include goalkeepers and defenders.
Chelsea stage meeting for one attacker, some way off Semenyo
Reports emerged earlier this week stating that Chelsea are interested in signing Liverpool target Anis Hadj Moussa after his impressive displays in a Feyenoord shirt this season, and then for Algeria at AFCON.
Chelsea could still sign a new attacker after cooling their interest in Antoine Semenyo. Who would you target, or are you content with Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens?
Antoine Semenyo in action during Sunderland v Bournemouth - Premier League
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
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It is claimed Chelsea have held a meeting over a deal to sign the 23-year-old, who has had a hand in 10 goals this season. While Moussa is a talent, he is some way off the level of a Semenyo as things stand.
Chelsea will have probably wanted to avoid the need for a high-quality attacker like Semenyo, having spent big on Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens in the summer. The latter was better against Charlton.
But Rosenior continues to make it clear he wants his players to run and win duels. Garnacho lost seven of his nine duels on Saturday, failing to make a single defensive contribution. Maybe, he gets replaced.
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