Chelsea are never afraid of dipping into the January transfer market.
And with this summer expected to be one of the more hectic windows, the Blues could skip the queue and look to bring players in this month.
The Blues have been linked with a number of star players across Europe, and could be forced into a few moves with injuries racking up, along with the rise in Covid-19 cases leading to a lack of depth at any time during the season.
Rumours continue to swirl about big name targets who the club could target this summer, as Thomas Tuchel looks to continue to build and put his stamp on the team.
Europe's top five leagues are full of hidden gems and a bargain can often be found. With that in mind, we've put together a list of four players from the Bundesliga that Chelsea could target this month or potentially in the summer.
Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)
Jude Bellingham is expected to blossom into the next great English central midfielder - and for good reason.
Just 18 years old, Bellingham has performed well in the Champions League and in the Bundesliga, showing out impressively against some of the world's best midfielders.
Chelsea have suffered due to absences in their midfield department this season, with Bellingham potentially being a cornerstone for the next 10-15 years.
He's well-rounded with few weaknesses, showing potential to reach the top.
An attack-minded box-to-box midfielder, Bellingham boasts impressive numbers in comparison to other midfielders for shots, expected goals and expected goals assisted.
He dribbles more often than his peers - only Moumi Ngamaleu, Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe have completed more in the UCL this season.
His homegrown status offers squad perks in Premier League due to Brexit, too.
Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
A versatile player, Wirtz has experience as a central midfielder, wide forward and as a number 10.
He's registered 10 goals and 14 assists in the Bundesliga since the beginning of last season - at the age of just 18.
Wirtz already has around 4,000 senior minutes and over 40 starts under his belt despite his age.
He's shown that he's creative from deep central positions, and is progressive with his passing whilst being a capable dribbler.
Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig)
An extremely productive attacking midfielder, Christopher Nkunku has posted 24 assists in two-and-a-half Bundesliga seasons since moving to RB Leipzig.
He blends creating with scoring, and has found the net 18 times in the Bundesliga.
His versatility only adds to his game, having played in a number of different areas in midfield and attack for RB Leipzig including both flanks.
Nkunku is good at moving his team into valuable areas - placing second in the Bundesliga this season for passes into the penalty box.
Denis Zakaria (Borussia Monchengladbach)
The defensive midfielder is set to become a free agent this summer, with a host of teams said to be interested.
Zakaria is tall and physically imposing in the central positions - an area which Chelsea have suffered in due to absences.
He's shown his versatility whilst in Germany and has experience as a centre-back, central midfield and defensive midfield.
He's recently been linked with Liverpool - who tracked him during his time at Young Boys - as well as Manchester United. Chelsea could jump the queue with a low-ball offer this month.
Maxence Lacroix (Wolfsburg)
An exciting young centre-back, Maxence Lacroix has made a name for himself over the last 18 months.
Lacroix is very fast for a centre-back and is capable of employing a high defensive line - Wolfsburg adopted an intense press last season.
He's composed and brave in possession.
Lacroix has recently been linked with a variety of teams from Real Madrid to Leicester City.
He could be a much-needed replacement for Antonio Rudiger or Andreas Christensen, who both could leave this summer.
