Chelsea Transfer news: Blues want to sign English striker in January, update on Hazard future, and more - 28th December 2018

Hello and welcome to the daily Chelsea transfer round-up - your one-stop shop for all the latest Chelsea transfer news and rumours!

The transfer window is already round the corner and transfer agents scurrying around to broker deals will be a common sight to watch.

Coming to Chelsea, the Blues have been linked with some high-profile names regarding moves in the next month. Maurizio Sarri is in search of a new striker to add firepower upfront to mount a serious title challenge in January. Also, he has a mammoth task at hands in convincing Eden Hazard to spurn the advances of Real Madrid and stay put at Chelsea

It will be interesting to watch if the Italian gaffer succeeds in landing his targets. On that note, let's have a look at the latest stories concerning Chelsea today.

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#3 Cesc Fabregas set to leave in January

Cesc Fabregas has been relegated to a bit-part role under Maurizio Sarri

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Cesc Fabregas is all set to wave sayonara to the club as the transfer window opens. The Spaniard has been relegated to a bit-part role under Maurizio Sarri, who has preferred to play a midfield three of Kante, Jorginho and Kovacic.

According to reports, Fabregas is set to stay in Europe even after he leaves the Blues, with Monaco being cited as his possible destination.

Monaco manager Thierry Henry has shown interest in signing the 31-year-old but only time will tell if Fabregas agrees to move to the French outfit, considering their struggles for form.

The midfielder's current contract with Chelsea expires at the end of the season and the Blues might as well be open to offloading him in January, hoping to make some money rather than letting him go for free.

#2 Chelsea planning move for Jamie Vardy

Jamie Vardy has emerged as a shock target for the Blues

Chelsea marksmen Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata have disappointed Maurizio Sarri this season; the duo has returned just six goals combined in 19 appearances in the Premier League.

The Blues' manager is now searching the marker to add the required firepower to challenge for the league title.

Morata and Giroud's abysmal form has also forced Sarri to use Eden Hazard in a false 9 role at times.

Leicester City hitman Jamie Vardy has emerged as a shock target for Chelsea, according to reports.

The English striker is considered as one of the top marksmen in the league, following his impressive displays that helped the Foxes win the league in season 2015/16.

The 31-year-old has netted six goals so far this season. Vardy previously rejected a move to Arsenal, but it remains to be seen if he does agree on a move to the Stamford Bridge.

#1 Update on Eden Hazard's future

Eden Hazard has provided an update on his future at the Stamford Bridge

The speculation regarding Eden Hazard's move to Real Madrid has just ceased to die out. However, the Belgian has given an update on his future which is bound to instill hopes in the hearts of the Chelsea fans.

When asked if he would leave for Real Madrid in January or later, Eden Hazard said,

"I will see at the end of the season. I am just focused on the pitch."

The constant speculation, though, barely seems to have affected his performances on the pitch; Hazard has netted 10 goals and 9 assisted 9 more in 18 league games for the Blues.

Chelsea are believed to have offered a £300k per week salary to the 27-year-old, whose current contract at the Stamford Bridge ends in 18 months.

LaLiga giants Real Madrid have been pursuing Hazard for quite some time, but only time will tell if they succeed in poaching in the summer.

For more Chelsea transfer news and rumours, visit our Chelsea Transfer News page!