Graham Potter will be keen to spend big in the January transfer window after Chelsea into the World Cup outside of the Premier League top six. And, with the tournament well underway, the Blues boss will certainly be monitoring any players who could provide his side with a cutting-edge in the race for European qualification.
The big names will obviously steal the headlines with eyes already on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The former is now considered a free agent and the latter sees his deal at Paris Saint-Germain expire in the summer.
Of course, the likes of targets Ousmane Dembele and Josko Gvardiol are expected to impress but they will most certainly warrant eye-watering fees. So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at three unexpected performers at the World Cup thus far which might pique Chelsea's interest instead.
READ MORE: England player ratings vs Iran: Saka and Bellingham impress as England romp to 6-2 World Cup win
Mehdi Taremi - Striker, Iran
Against the run of play, Taremi scored twice versus England to give his nation a glimmer of hope for the remainder of the World Cup group stages. The 30-year-old Porto star led Iran's frontline to good effect and did well with the few chances served to him.
With Potter said to be in the market for a new talisman this winter, the Iranian could be the wildcard candidate to rival Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for a place in the side. Taremi is as prolific at dropping deep to link the midfield with attack as he is at finding the net so, with Potter's philosophy in mind, he could be the ideal placeholder until the Blues boss finds his 'end game' striker.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Chelsea went to watch Taremi last month as Porto won 4-1 over Braga. A Bola, as quoted by the Express, claimed that the west Londoners made contact with the Portuguese side to explore the possibility of signing the £17.3million-rated striker.
Andries Noppert - Goalkeeper, Netherlands
Noppert was thrown in at the deep end by Louis van Gaal as he made his senior international debut in the Netherlands' World Cup opener against Senegal. The 28-year-old could be the answer to Potter's goalkeeper conundrum, with both Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga facing uncertain futures at the club.
He currently plays for Heerenveen in the Eredivisie and could be available for an absolute steal. The Dutchman is said to be currently valued at just £1.7million, with his deal in the Netherlands top-flight set to expire in 2024.
Joakim Maehle - Wing-back, Denmark
Maehle could be the perfect signing for Chelsea in January amid the absences of Reece James and Ben Chilwell due to injury. The 25-year-old, who impressed for Denmark against Tunisia, can operate at both left and right wing-back to the highest level.
Former boss Thomas Tuchel shortlisted the Dane last year following his dazzling performances at Euro 2020, according to the Daily Star. Speculation of a move to Stamford Bridge has since quietened down, but Maehle remains a great option to consider.
The £26million-rated Serie A star is an unorthodox wing-back who has a 'trivela' cross and sharp turn of pace in his locker. Maehle's two-footed capabilities and great experience for club and country should make him Chelsea's prime January target, completing a classic two birds with one stone deal.
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