The end of 2023 is drawing near, and with it the January transfer window. Furthermore, football.london knows that Chelsea is anticipated to make some moves at Stamford Bridge even if it is not anticipated to be an extremely busy window.

A center-forward is Chelsea’s top target when it comes to acquisitions. However, the Blues will not rush their search for a striker, and they will wait until the summer if the ideal player is unavailable during the mid-season window for any reason.

But when the January transfer market opens, Chelsea might make a bid for Ivan Toney. The striker for Brentford is eager to join a new team and is anticipated to return in the new year following an eight-month suspension.

Toney has switched agencies in an attempt to pressure the Bees into selling the 27-year-old striker, and Chelsea and Arsenal are among the teams that are actively pursuing him. Similarly, Victor Osimhen, one of the most sought-after strikers in world football at the moment, is also a target for Chelsea.

Osimhen had a fantastic 2022–2023 season with Napoli, but the Italian team turned down several bids because they were determined to hang onto him in the summer. It is suggested that in January, the Naples-based club will take a similar stand.

Nonetheless, Nicolas Jackson continues to have great respect at the club. Senior executives, however, think that bringing in a new striker to provide Jackson more competition will benefit him in the long run and prevent an undue reliance on the 22-year-old to produce goals.

There might be a few departures, even though not many are anticipated. Additionally, when January arrives, the Blues will evaluate the circumstances of individuals who are not playing well and may decide to loan them out.

Lesley Ugochukwu can be sent on loan to another team in order to gain more first-team experience. The 19-year-old has started two Premier League games for Chelsea this season, including the match against Newcastle United on Saturday. However, Mauricio Pochettino will likely demote the 19-year-old when Romeo Lavia makes his anticipated quick return to action.

Another player who might be loaned out is Deivid Washingtоn, who has only made one appearance for Chelsea since joining from Santos in the summer. The young talent has made just nine appearances for the senior team thus far.

In January, Nottingham Forest’s loan player Andrey Santos might be called up. The 19-year-old central midfielder has made just two appearances for Forest in all competitions. Chelsea may try to get him back and either add him to the starting lineup or find him a more suited temporary home.

Ian Maatsen, meanwhile, may depart the team permanently or on loan. Several clubs expressed interest in signing Maatsen during the summer transfer window, but he chose to remain and compete for a spot at Stamford Bridge.

The Netherlands international is still a target for Burnley, who may make another approach for him in January. Trevoh Chalobah, Maatsen’s teammate, may also be leaving Chelsea.

Chalobah’s summer transfer attempt to join Bayern Munich fell through, thus Chelsea is willing to let him go. The 24-year-old defender had an ιnjury during the preseason and has not yet participated in a meaningful match under Pochettino.