It's that time of the year again. People from across the world are preparing for Christmas and the New Year festivities that follow.
For football fans, though, it's a chance to watch the sport they love even more frequently in all its glory. Oh, and the January transfer window opens just a few days later.
The mid-season window tends to be a bit quieter than what we see in the summer. Clubs are more reluctant to sell their star players with the rest of the season still to play, but deals do happen occasionally.
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Last January, Liverpool brought in Luis Diaz late on in the window for almost £50million, while Newcastle United spent almost £100million on five new signings. So there is definitely scope for clubs to get these big-money deals done.
Going into the upcoming transfer window, Chelsea are looking to do some business. The club, who have a new-look recruitment team under the new ownership of Todd Boehly's consortium and Clearlake Capital, have earmarked a new central midfielder ahead of the next couple of windows.
Now, with the news of Armando Broja being out for the season with a serious knee injury, Chelsea are now on the lookout for a new centre-forward. So, with all of this being said, football.london takes a look at the latest state of play for the Blues going into the January transfer window.
David Datro Fofana
On Thursday morning, virtually out of nowhere, the news came out that Chelsea look set to complete their first signing of the January window with David Datro Fofana expected to join from Molde. The 19-year-old striker has set the Norwegian top-flight alight this season with 15 goals and five assists in 24 appearances.
The deal is almost done, but personal terms still need to be discussed, although they are not expected to be an issue. Whether or not Fofana is signed as a Broja replacement for the remainder of the season remains to be seen. There is of course the possibility he stays at Molde for the rest of the campaign on loan.
Joao Felix
Another attacker who is being looked at by Chelsea is wantaway Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix. football.london understands the Blues have sent scouts to multiple Atletico matches this season to watch Felix in action.
Their interest at this stage, though, remains tentative. Depending on what sort of price Atletico are demanding for the Portugal international, it could tempt Chelsea to make a move for the 23-year-old forward.
Edson Alvarez
Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez is another man who is still on Chelsea's radar going into the January transfer window. The Blues had a £43million offer for the Mexican turned down in the summer.
However, the interest is still there and sources have told football.london that the player still favours a move to Stamford Bridge. With a move for Declan Rice not really available until the season is over, Chelsea may look to sign Alvarez next month. If not, then it could be something that will happen in the summer.
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