Top 5: Players Chelsea Should Move For In January

As the opening of the January transfer window inches ever closer, Tom Gatehouse looks at 5 players Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho should try to buy this winter…

After being spotted last week in Brussels watching Columbia’s 2-0 triumph over Belgium, rumours have been rife that Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is on the prowl for potential January signings.

The name ‘Falcao’ is one Chelsea fans will be very familiar with in transfer market discussions; but he is certainly not the only player turning heads on the world stage.

Chelsea have kept pace with the leading pack thus far this season; but reinforcements may be necessary come January, with key areas of the pitch in need of strengthening. The striking conundrum remains alive at Stamford Bridge; and despite a host of stellar names occupying the attacking midfield roles, options for deeper lying operators are scant.

Here is a Top 5 of potential signings for the Blues, come the January transfer window:

1. Wayne Rooney, Manchester United, Striker

If there is even a shred of hope concerning the revival of this transfer, then Chelsea should grab it with both hands. Rooney was strongly linked with a move to West London in the summer, and after a lengthy battle of mind-games, the supposedly disgruntled 27-year-old remained at Old Trafford.

The England International has been superb so far this season, effortlessly justifying Jose Mourinho’s strong interest in the player. For my money, he is a better fit for this current Chelsea side than Radamel Falcao. With the attacking midfield set up to score the majority of goals for the Blues, the presence of an out-and-out goal scorer up top is not essential; indeed, it has proved to be detrimental to the growing number of strikers deployed there – just ask Fernando Torres!

Rooney is not an all-out goal machine, and does not wilt if he fails to rip open the back of the net every game. He is a team player of the highest quality; and with him leading the line for Chelsea, with all of his tenacity, drive and deft vision, you may find their striker conundrum quickly becomes a thing of the past. It’s a long shot though; as The Daily Star for one believes Rooney will sign a new deal at Utd in the summer.

2. Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid, Midfielder

A favourite of Mourinho’s from his time as Madrid boss, Xabi Alonso has been linked with a January move to the Bridge, with his current contract at the Bernabeu set to expire at the end of the season.

The Daily Mail reports that Chelsea are very interested in bringing the midfielder, who will soon become a free agent, to the club. The former Liverpool player has become a key cog in the Madrid side, but at the wrong side of 30, the Spanish giants may just be on the lookout for a long-term replacement.

Alonso would be a shrewd acquisition for the Blues, as only Frank Lampard currently has a decent enough passing repertoire at the Bridge. The centre of midfield looks a little sparse at present, and a seasoned midfield creator would do wonders for Mourinho’s young side.

3. Eliaquim Mangala, Porto, Defender

The French born, Porto defender is another to have reportedly caught the eye of the watchful Mourinho in recent months.

The 22-year-old is very highly rated, with the Metro suggesting that he has a near £40m buyout clause attached to his current contract in Portugal. But with Chelsea currently unsure as to their preferred starting centre backs, and with the Blues leaking more goals than the Portuguese would like, Jose may decide to test the Porto resolve with a January bid.

4. Julian Draxler, Schalke 04, Attacking Midfielder

While the attacking midfield riches currently at the disposal of Jose Mourinho may be already deemed extraordinary, there are still a few players in this area in the world that need serious attention. Julain Draxler is one of them.

The German winger is attracting plenty of attention, with mature, dominant displays in the Bundesliga for Schalke 04. At 20-years-old, he represents the cream of the current German crop of raw talent. Top scorer for his side in the Champions League; clubs will be queuing up for their chance to bid for the youngster.

Chelsea may have a ludicrous selection of attackers, but room should be made for such an overwhelming talent.

5. Wesley Sneijder, Galatasaray, Midfielder

A former player of Mourinho’s at Inter Milan, and still only 29-years-young; it is baffling how the Dutchman has fallen off the world stage. Plying his trade at Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig; Sneijder has so much more to give, judging by his recent performances.

Indeed, Dutch national team coach, Louis Van Gaal is keen for Sneijder to rediscover his spark, and believes a move to Chelsea would greatly benefit the midfielder,

Van Gaal told talkSPORT in October:

“I know Chelsea and Jose Mourinho want Sneijder.

“In my opinion, if possible Sneijder should leave Galatasaray and join Chelsea.

“Playing under Mourinho again would improve his performances and help him regain his form for the national team.”

Having already snapped up his former charge, Samuel Eto’o from Russian League obscurity, expect the Sneijder story to gather pace in the next few months.

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What do you think? What is the best case scenario for the Blues come January?

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