Chelsea’s January Centre Back, Striker Transfer Plans—Report

Chelsea are unlikely to be active in signing new players during the January transfer window, with reports indicating a focus on outgoings instead.

This follows a busy summer where the club recruited João Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho, Jorrel Hato, and Liam Delap, in addition to pre-agreed arrivals like Estêvão, Kendry Páez, Mamadou Sarr, and Dário Essugo. Manager Enzo Maresca's request for a new center-back was not granted in the summer, and it is expected to remain unaddressed in January.

Chelsea believe their center-back issues are short-term, with Trevoh Chalobah returning from suspension, Wesley Fofana back in training after a concussion, and Tosin Adarabioyo set to return after the international break to replace the long-term absentee Levi Colwill. Jorrel Hato is capable of playing center-back alongside Benoît Badiashile and Josh Acheampong, and the club feels well-stocked for the future, even without factoring in young loanees like Mamadou Sarr and Aarón Anselmino.

Similarly, there will be no move for a new goalkeeper, as Chelsea maintain faith in Robert Sánchez and deputy Filip Jörgensen, while showing optimism for 20-year-old Mike Penders after his impressive loan start with Strasbourg.

Despite having funds available, Chelsea's January focus is on player sales, with Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi as top priorities for departure after failed summer exits. The club will also reignite efforts to sell winger Tyrique George, whose £22 million move to Fulham collapsed on Deadline Day, and he is viewed as a backup behind players like Garnacho, Gittens, Estêvão, and Pedro Neto. Additionally, there are no plans to loan out striker Marc Guiu in January, despite Liam Delap's imminent return.