We’re just over a fortnight away from the new year which can only mean one thing: it’s almost time for the January transfer window to open.
Frank Lampard took charge at Chelsea over the summer thinking he would have to wait until next summer to make his first new signing but after the Blues’ transfer ban was reduced on appeal, the west Londoners are free to make some additions next month.
Chelsea currently sit fourth in the table but with four defeats from their last five league games, it is possible that Lampard will look to add some reinforcements once the window opens next month.
Let’s take a look at some of today’s best Chelsea transfer rumours.
Zaha swap deal
Once again, Crystal Palace winger Wilfred Zaha has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
The Ivorian playmaker has long been linked with a move from south London to the west of the city but his price tag remains a sticking point, with Palace said to be demanding a fee of £80million for their star man.
Still, former Eagles midfielder John Salako believes a deal could still be done if Chelsea are willing to part ways with striker Olivier Giroud to attempt to offset some of the costs.
“Hudson-Odoi has come back, and I don't think they'll want to hinder his development,” he told Love Sport Radio. “But Willian and Pedro are getting on a bit, and maybe they'll want someone to add to that.
“They could do a great little swap, though. Palace have got their eyes on Giroud, and that would be fantastic - Giroud plus money!
“If Palace get the right offer, they could be tempted.”
Chelsea to activate Ake release clause
Chelsea have decided to re-sign former Blues centre-back Nathan Ake next month, with his buyback clause set to expire at the end of January, according to the Express, that is.
The Dutch defender joined Bournemouth from Chelsea in the summer of 2017 with the Blues inserting a buyback clause worth £40million into the deal.
According to the Express, Lampard is keen to bring Ake back to the club and a the defender is also interested in the move.
Villarreal winger has €100million release clause
The latest name to be linked with a big-money move to Stamford Bridge is Samuel Chukwueze, with The Telegraph reporting that the Villarreal winger is on a shortlist for the Blues once the transfer window opens.
According to the report, Lampard has a budget of £150million to work with next month and is keeping tabs on a number of players, with Chukwueze seen as a realistic option for a mid-season move.
The Nigerian reportedly has a release clause of €100million (£85million) though the Blues are hoping he could be available for less.
