Chelsea look set for a busy January after their fast start under Graham Potter has tailed off in a big way.
The Blues sit well adrift of the Premier League's top four ahead of Thursday's game against Manchester City. Just one win from the last seven games means the summer's biggest spenders will return to the negotiating table over some targets in various areas of the pitch.
Potter has already made his first addition, signing Ivorian forward David Datro Fofana from Molde. Here are the latest lines from west London as Chelsea prepare to make further moves in the transfer market.
Badiashile set for medical
Chelsea are poised to make Benoit Badiashile their second January signing, according to football.london. The French youngster has reportedly agreed a £33.6m fee and personal terms, with a medical to come.
Badiashile, who made his senior France debut in 2022, is expected to sign a six-and-a-half-year deal. The defender only turned 21 in March, but has already made more than 100 Ligue 1 appearances for Monaco.
He will become the third centre-back to join the club since the end of last season. Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana were both brought to Stamford Bridge during Thomas Tuchel's tenure, though the latter has barely featured due to injury.
Chelsea could hijack Mudryk deal
Chelsea are ready to gazump Arsenal to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to The Sun. The Gunners have already made a bid for the Ukraine star only for his club Shakhtar Donetsk to knock it back,
Shakhtar director of football Darijo Srna is expected in London for talks this week. It has been reported that an offer of £60m plus a further £20m in add-ons would be enough.
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Mudryk has been enjoying a breakout season, scoring three goals in the Champions League group stages. He was also part of the Ukraine squad which got within a game of the World Cup before losing their play-off against Wales.
Leao close to new Milan deal
Chelsea-linked forward Rafael Leao looks set to extend his stay at AC Milan despite interest from a number of European clubs. The Portugal star helped his club win Serie A last season, and scored twice at the 2022 World Cup.
According to Sky Italia, the Rossoneri are optimistic over an extension for the 23-year-old. Leao's current deal runs until 2024, and the club have reportedly offered new terms worth €7m (£6.16m) per year.
Leao, who joined from Lille in 2019, isn't the only star with whom the Italian side are in talks. They are also keen to secure extensions for World Cup finalist Olivier Giroud and former Arsenal midfielder Ismael Bennacer, whose current deals expire in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
