5 players Chelsea should sign in the January transfer window

Chelsea were fined and banned from signing any player for two transfer windows (Summer 2019 and Winter 2020) by FIFA for breaching the rules regarding transfer and registration of under-18 players. Recently, the Court of Arbitration of Sport reduced Chelsea's transfer ban and their fine was also subsequently halved, making them eligible to sign players in the upcoming winter transfer window.

Under the ban, Chelsea still managed to add Mateo Kovacic and Christian Pulisic to their squad, as those deal were finalised before the ban. The Blues even recalled many of their loan stars including the trio of Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Reece James, who impressed in the Championship last season.

Manager Frank Lampard, however, didn't let the transfer ban affect the results of his team and has managed to obtain favourable results for the club. The London club currently sit 4th in the Premier League table with 15 games, a respectable return considering the circumstances.

With the transfer ban uplifted, Lampard and the club have got the opportunity to recruit some new players. With reports claiming that Chelsea have given the Englishman £150M to spend on transfers, let's take a look at which players the Blues could target in January.

5. Stefan De Vrij

Chelsea need a new centre-back, and they need one urgently. The current batch of centre-backs Zouma, Tomori and Christensen haven't been able to help their defensive state this season. Rudiger has been injured for large parts of the current campaign and while reports suggest that he is fit to start again, the Blues still need recruits in this position.

De Vrij has been one of Serie A's best defender this season. The 27-year-old is currently in his 2nd season with Inter Milan and has had six years of experience in Serie A. The Dutch international very soon became one of the best bargains for Inter as he joined them on a free transfer in 2018.

The former Lazio man's performances do make him a significant player for Inter, however, with the Nerazzurri being sufficient with centre-backs having the likes of Godin, Skriniar and Bastoni, they might allow De Vrij to leave for a hefty price tag.

Chelsea require a player with as much experience and skill as De Vrij and would be an ideal signing for the Blues. They may have to part with quite a lot of money for him, but it would be worth it.

Alternate option: Alessio Romagnoli (AC Milan), Nathan Ake (AFC Bournemouth), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli)

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4. Federico Chiesa

Chelsea have been heavily linked with Jadon Sancho, and many hold the opinion that the club should spend big on him. However, given the situation of Sancho and the number of clubs vying for him, it looks like a waste of time for Chelsea to go after him.

Instead, Chelsea should look towards Serie A and rather try for Fiorentina's Federico Chiesa. 22-year-old already impressed many and has become one of the top young players in Italy. Chiesa is predominantly a right-winger but can play on both the flanks and even up ahead.

With both Pedro and Willian nearing the end of their contracts and both having crossed the age of 30, it makes sense for Chelsea to invest in a young player to replace them. Although Chiesa may still not be a finished product, Lampard will surely relish the role of nurturing and growing him as a player.

With fresher faces required in the team, Chiesa would be a brilliant signing if Chelsea were to make it possible.

Alternate option: Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)

3. Richarlison

While Everton would hate to part with Richarlison, a big-money offer could get them thinking. Richarlison is a very versatile attacking player and can play anywhere. His one and half-season at Everton have shown what an attacking threat he can be.

Richarlison has enjoyed success from whichever position he has played from and hence serves as a significant threat to the opposition As seen with Chelsea's last few outings that there has been a lack of firepower coming from the bench as most of their attacking players are forced to start.

The Brazilian boasts of creating an immediate impact, whether it be from the start or through the bench. Richarlison has excellent finishing and vision, but it is aerially where he is the most dominant.

Given the departure of Marco Silva, the versatile attacker may be open for a move and interest from Chelsea might be tempting enough. Lampard would have a fantastic asset to the team and would love to work with a player of this dynamic.

Alternate option: Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)

2. Moussa Dembele

It is quite evident that without Abraham, Chelsea struggle quite a lot. It was seen against West Ham when they failed to score any goals and subsequently lost the match. Chelsea's other forward options are Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi, but both aren't suited enough to lead their attacking line.

Dembele is a fierce striker, something Chelsea have missed since the times of Diego Costa. Unlike Giroud and Batshuayi, Dembele has a much better conversion rate, and would significantly improve the Blues in front of goal.

Dembele has scored a highly impressive ten goals from 15 league matches this season and has been duly praised. The Frenchman joined Lyon in the summer of 2018 and has seen his value increase significantly after that.

Given that Chelsea have had striker problems for a long time, this is a move that makes sense for all parties involved. Dembele being such an essential player for Lyon might make it a bit difficult for Chelsea to get him to Stamford Bridge.

However, if Lampard and co succeeded, then it will surely pay dividends.

Alternate option: Krzysztof Piatek (AC Milan)

1. Ben Chilwell

Following the departure of manager Antonio Conte, Chelsea started having problems in the left-back position. Marcos Alonso was often caught out defensively, and Emerson has not been able to mark his place in the starting eleven. Recent matches have seen club captain Cesar Azpilicueta filling in as a makeshift left back but Chelsea can't afford carry in such a manner for too long.

Ben Chilwell has emerged as one of the best left-backs in the world in recent times. The Englishman's remarkable progress with Leicester has been marvelled at and highly praised. Chilwell has been an active force for the Foxes and his performances have even seen him become a regular in the England squad.

With a right combination of defensive skills and threat going forward, Chilwell has become a brilliant player and his displays are visible in Leicester's results this season. Leicester may play spoilsport in this move as they would want to keep their star player, especially after such an excellent start to the season.

Alternate option: Jose Gaya (Valencia)

Edited by Vishal Subramanian