Chelsea Eyes Major January 2026 Transfer Targets to Transform Squad
Transfer windows rarely go by without Chelsea entering the market, and the urge to make moves this January could prove irresistible.
Chelsea aren't anticipated to be particularly active this winter after their characteristic heavy spending last summer, but acquisitions can never be completely dismissed when discussing the big-spending Blues.
Enzo Maresca possesses an oversized roster, though certain positions could benefit from improvement. Departures approved during January might open doors for new arrivals, particularly if the club's recent holiday struggles continue into the new year.
Should Chelsea enter the transfer market, these are the areas that need strengthening.
Centre Back
Chelsea received devastating injury news before the campaign commenced. Just before the new season started, key centre back Levi Colwill suffered a serious ACL injury that sidelined him for most of the campaign. The Blues had recently acquired versatile prospect Jorrel Hato and chose not to pursue additional reinforcement.
However, that choice has proven costly for Chelsea this season. The Blues could have benefited from a major central defensive acquisition and have depended on unreliable partnerships. Beyond regular Trevoh Chalobah, players like Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile have rotated in and out due to injuries and inconsistent performances. Hato, meanwhile, has been utilized at left back.
Chelsea remain optimistic that Colwill encounters no complications during his rehabilitation and returns before the season ends, but Maresca could still use another exceptional option in central defense. Fofana and Badiashile are notably injury-susceptible, while Tosin hasn't always impressed and Acheampong is still adapting to top-level football.
Key Targets
Several names have been mentioned regarding Chelsea's search for defensive reinforcement, but nothing definitive approaching January. Actually, the prevailing belief is that the Blues will postpone strengthening their defense until season's end.
Nevertheless, should they reconsider their approach in upcoming weeks, Nottingham Forest centre back Murillo might resurface as an option. Chelsea have been connected with the talented 23-year-old, who would bring Premier League familiarity, established quality and significant future potential.
RB Leipzig prospect Castello Lukeba could join Chelsea's collection of French centre backs given his outstanding displays for the Bundesliga club, while former Blues defender and current Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi might be obtainable at a reduced price in January as his deal concludes next summer.
Goalkeeper
Goalkeeper represents a position Chelsea must upgrade in upcoming windows. Though Robert Sánchez has shown flashes of excellence, erratic displays and questionable distribution indicate he may have peaked, while Filip Jörgensen hasn't fully impressed during his starting opportunities.
Chelsea actively pursued a new keeper before last summer's FIFA Club World Cup, indicating they also recognize this position requires improvement. Major trophies are challenging to secure without an elite goalkeeper and the Blues certainly cannot match Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City in that specific area.
Once more, expectations suggest any goalkeeping changes will occur next summer at earliest, but a winter acquisition cannot be completely ruled out. A serious injury to Sánchez or Jörgensen might prompt a strategy shift, or an unexpected market opportunity.
Key Targets
AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan was Chelsea's target leading up to the Club World Cup. The French keeper's contract ends next summer, making him available for nothing, but Milan's refusal to reduce his price to Chelsea's acceptable level during summer caused negotiations to stagnate.
Though it's more probable that Chelsea will pursue the 30-year-old as a free agent next summer, or arrange a pre-contract deal in January, the possibility remains that Maignan joins the Blues this winter.
Additionally, Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel has been previously linked with a Stamford Bridge move, while Porto's Diogo Costa has also appeared on their transfer list in previous windows.