HERE WE GO ✅: Chelse first January signing is Here, agreement reached overnight, player to sign 6yrs contract with the Blues, Jersey number revealed as medical schedule to take place today
Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of Chelsea, appears to have seven days to make a decision on bringing a new striker to Stamford Bridge. A new injury to Christopher Nkunku, just a few weeks after making his Blues debut, has come at the worst possible time, with Nicolas Jackson also missing most of January owing to AFCON involvement with Senegal.
Pochettino has since provided contradictory updates on the France international, with his words ahead to the Fulham encounter implying that a return is soon. However, following the triumph over the Cottagers, he hinted that a return could be imminent.
Regardless of Nkunku’s availability, Chelsea will recruit a striker in 2024, with Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen being two of the preferred alternatives. Evan Ferguson of Brighton is another name of interest in west London, despite his rumoured £120 million price tag following his new deal on the south coast.
With a new transfer coming in the forward department, Chelsea have sanctioned the exit of a striker on their books, but it is one that makes great sense and might be ideal for the club’s future.
Football.london examines the most recent Chelsea transfer rumours:
Ferguson transfer reaction
On Saturday afternoon, Pochettino made no hints regarding Evan Ferguson being a possible Chelsea transfer target. “You know very well that I don’t talk about rumours or players who are at a different club,” Pochettino replied when questioned directly about Ferguson. “We are assessing the squad, and if anything changes, we will notify you.”
“I never stated that we needed a center-forward. I didn’t say we needed it yesterday. I stated that we operate in the same manner as other clubs. Attempting to examine and see potential situations. “I never said we needed to bring in another player.”
According to football.london, “Ferguson certainly has a bright future in the game, but a move to Chelsea appears unlikely.” Brighton’s adamant refusal to sell their key players has already cost the Blues before, but getting Ferguson this time would be practically impossible.
“The three-figure price tag is an obvious concern for Chelsea, and with Osimhen and Toney available at comparable prices, it would not be the wise move given his lack of senior experience.” Other Premier League opponents’ interest may spark a bidding war, something Chelsea is unlikely to want.
“Therefore, a January move or summer switch happening for the 19-year-old is seemingly out of the equation, even for Chelsea.”
Burnley receives a loan from Fofana.
David Datro Fofana from Molde was Chelsea’s first January signing of last season’s winter window. The 21-year-old has received some senior minutes, but a loan move was always thought to be the short-term goal. Fofana began the 2023/24 season with Union Berlin until being recalled last month.
“Depth in attack is not something Chelsea currently has, but allowing Fofana to go back out on loan is absolutely the right decision,” argues football.london. Regular football is essential for young players, and acquiring that in the Premier League is the ultimate goal for Chelsea.
“In his few appearances at Stamford Bridge, Fofana appeared raw, but the hope is that he can improve his game to the level Chelsea requires.” Gaining Premier League experience will be a great step forward in his career, and doing so at Turf Moor, where he is sure to play significant minutes given the Clarets’ striker woes, is a huge advantage.”
