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It's that festive time of the year again. For football clubs and fans, it indicates the imminent start of the frenetic period of cash spending known as the transfer window. While the January windows are generally inflated, clubs in dire need of players and strengthening need to splurge. And Chelsea is one such club definitely in need of more numbers, at least Antonio Conte will have you believe so.
The Italian has continuously bemoaned a lack of quality depth in his squad after a "failed" summer transfer window in which Chelsea spend close to $200 million. While Chelsea do not spend as much as they used to, they will definitely be in the market to satisfy the demands of their manager.
Let us take a look at 5 players Chelsea should be looking to sign in January.
#5 Ryan Bertrand
One position in which Chelsea are glaringly understocked is left wing back. Marcos Alonso is first choice and a fine one at that but look beyond and there is no one. Zappacosta has sometimes played on the wrong side with Kenedy also being used as a makeshift left wing back. With Kenedy moving to Newcastle, it is certain Chelsea will buy a left back in the winter window.
They need to look no further than one of their former players, Ryan Bertrand. The Chelsea academy graduate, who interestingly made his Champions League debut in the final win against Bayern Munich in 2012, left the blues in search of more first-team minutes.
His stint at Southampton has been a success till now, giving him the vital minutes he needed and has turned him into an England International. It is perhaps time for him to test himself in a team with title aspirations and no sentiments will be hurt in returning to his boyhood club.
This move will also come cheaper than some of the other high profile left backs in the market and with Bertrand increasing the homegrown numbers and not being cup-tied, this deal presents huge value for Chelsea.
Also read: 5 Arsenal players who may leave the club in January
#4 Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk is hot property right now, with a host of top clubs looking to win his signature. Liverpool looked the front-runners in the summer but now it seems it'll boil down to a tug of war between Chelsea and Manchester City.
While he definitely will not come cheap, Chelsea can more than afford the Dutch player by offloading David Luiz, who has apparently gathered interest from Real Madrid. If indeed David Luiz leaves the club, Chelsea should absolutely look to rope in the Southampton defender.
With Gary Cahill in his twilight years, 5 defenders in Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, Zouma and Van Dijk vying for 3 spots from next season sound terrifying for most opposition attacks.
#3 Mauro Icardi
Quite possibly the most expensive transfer target of this list, Icardi will give Conte what he desperately wants - a second world class striker. Icardi is very similar in style to Morata and it will be a terrifying sight to see them together up top with Hazard behind them wreaking havoc on opposition defences.
Add Fabregas' passing range from deep to the mix, this transfer will make Chelsea front-runners for years to come.
Icardi has said he is happy in Inter but it has been shown time and again that every player has a price. With Icardi not being cup-tied, the transfer makes sense for all parties included and it is one that Chelsea should really push to complete.
He has already scored 17 goals in 17 appearances in the Serie A this season and there is no doubt he will be a success in the Premier League.
#2 Alex Sandro
Juventus held on in the summer transfer window but that has not helped anyone's cause. Alex Sandro's performances have dipped and Chelsea still need a left wing back.
With Sandro no longer considered untouchable at Juventus, they will be looking to offload him at a premium. The January market is inflated as it is and with Conte being a big fan of the Brazilian, it is certain he will be targeted next month.
He is, however, cup-tied and it is still debatable how much value for money he presents to the club.
On top of that, Manchester United have now been linked with the Brazilian and if the Red Devils pip Chelsea to sign him, we can expect Conte to go absolutely postal.
#1 Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez is certain to ply his trade somewhere other than at Arsenal next year. With his contract running down in the summer, he represents the most value for money for Chelsea since Lewandowski did when he went to Bayern on a free transfer.
Sanchez is a proven world class player in the Premier League and will complement Morata and Hazard perfectly. Conte can go back to the 3-4-3 formation safe in the knowledge that Morata has two remarkable players behind him. However, Chelsea face competition from Manchester City although there are two points that should sway Sanchez in Chelsea's direction.
Firstly, he is well settled in London and secondly, City have a wealth of world-class players in his position. At Chelsea, he will be revered as much as Hazard, all while still living in London.
Also read: 5 players who will try to force a move in January
