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Chelsea have made a good start to the season, but have lost their last two games across competitions. The Blues lost to Manchester City last weekend in the Premier League before losing to Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday. That has sent Thomas Tuchel back to the drawing board.
The Champions League holders have a lot at stake season, so they need to improve their performances quickly. They have been nowhere near their best in September and have shown signs of exhaustion. Chelsea might have to spend big in January if they want to retain the Champions League or win the Premier League title this season.
On that note, here are five players Chelsea should target in the January transfer window:
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#5 Niklas Sule
Niklas Sule is out of contract at the end of the season, and might be available for a cut-price. Bayern Munich do not let most of their players walk away for free, and will be looking to cash in if they have the chance to so.
Chelsea have been linked with Niklas Sule in the past, so they might want that to count in January. Thomas Tuchel is reportedly said to be a big fan of the German., With Sule likely to be available for cheap, the Blues should look to snap him up.
The main reason Chelsea need a centre-back is because of Antonio Rudiger's contract situation. The German is yet to pen a new deal, and Thiago Silva is also at the end of his career.
Chelsea need a centre-back urgently, and Niklas Sule might be the ideal solution for now.
#4 Franck Kessie
Franck Kessie is heading towards the end of his contract at AC Milan, and will be available for a cut-price. He could be headed to Chelsea, as he would offer experience and fit well in Thomas Tuchel's system.
Saul Niguez was signed by Chelsea on loan from Atletico Madrid this summer. The Spaniard has not made a good impression so far, and the loan is highly unlikely to turn into a permanent move.
Chelsea need a midfielder, as they cannot rely on Jorginho to play as a no.6 in every game. Ruben Loftus-Cheek has shown his ability to play there. But given that he is just getting into form and considering N'Golo Kante's recent injury history, Chelsea could be well served by signing Kessie.
#3 Aurelien Tchouameni
Aurelien Tchouameni is a player who has been on Chelsea's radar for some time. They are reportedly planning a move for Tchouameni next summer. Given the situation at Chelsea, it would be ideal for the club to rethink and get the AS Monaco star in January.
Chelsea will just have to pay a small premium on getting the Frenchman a few months ahead. But that would give him the time he'll need to settle in before fighting for a place in the starting XI.
Aurelien Tchouameni is a target of other clubs too, with reports suggesting he is in the radars of Juventus and Bayern Munich too. Chelsea have a slight advantage, as Cesc Fabregas has been talking him up, saying he would be perfect for the Blues.
#2 Jules Kounde
Chelsea tried to sign Jules Kounde in the summer, but failed to get the deal over the line. The Blues had agreed a fee with Sevilla. But the Spanish club set a deadline, which the Champions League winners failed to adhere to.
Jules Kounde would be the best possible signing for Chelsea in January. That's because he'll boost Chelsea's defence and also enable Callum Hudson-Odoi move back to his favoured left-wing position.
With Kounde slotted in at right centre-back, Thomas Tuchel would have the option of playing either Cesar Azpilicueta or Reece James at right wing-back. That would free up Hudson-Odoi from his defensive duties.
#1 Allan Saint-Maximin
Chelsea have Timo Werner on one flank. But there is no one on the other wing to match Werner's intensity. Allan Saint-Maximin has been linked with Chelsea, and if the interest from the Blues is serious, he would make for a very good signing.
Newcastle United are one of the candidates to get relegated this season. If they are in a bad position in January, it could be easy for Chelsea to lure Allan Saint-Maximin away. The one big issue would be his contract, though, as the Frenchman is tied down till 2026 with the Magpies.
Unless Steve Bruce and co decide to cash in on him and invest elsewhere, Chelsea may find it difficult to get Saint-Maximin. Liverpool are also reportedly in the race to sign the winger, who has made a decent start this season.
