The January transfer window is in full swing, but it’s been a slow start to business for Frank Lampard and Chelsea.
Lampard has insisted he wants to make improvements to his squad, particularly in attack, as he searches for more clinical players in the second half of the season to assure qualification for next year’s Champions League.
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The fresh-faced English boss has admitted his side lack the motivation against the smaller sides and they struggle to break teams down at Stamford Bridge – which was such a fortress for the best part of the 2010s.
With the transfer ban now halved, and therefore served, Roman Abramovich knows he needs to splash the cash if his side are serious about making the top four.
But what is the latest news in terms of rumours around potential incoming players and exits at Stamford Bridge?
Check out the best and most recent Chelsea rumours below…
Deal for Diop?
Lampard is on the hunt for a new central defender, with question marks still remaining over the ability of Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen.
A new defender to partner Antonio Rudiger at the back is desired and according to the Express, West Ham’s Issa Diop is the man who is now being targeted by Blues chiefs.
The Frenchman has three-and-a-half years left on his contract at the London Stadium and it is believed the Hammers are reluctant to sell him.
However, Tottenham are also chasing Diop, who has featured in 15 of West Ham’s 21 Premier League matches this season.
Chelsea have been keeping close tabs on ex-Toulouse defender’s progress and believe £40m is a fair opening bid for the 23-year-old.
Lemar offered
Chelsea have also reportedly been offered the chance to sign Thomas Lemar this January – and the Atletico Madrid midfielder is believed to be open to completing a move to Stamford Bridge.
According to the Standard, a more realistic and cheaper option in attack would be Atleti’s Lemar, who has struggled to adapt to life in LaLiga since his move from Monaco back in 2018.
The France international is available on loan for a fee of £5m or, alternatively, for around £50m if Chelsea want to sign the Frenchman permanently.
Arsenal also considered a move for Lemar but, Mikel Arteta feels he already has enough forward options in his ranks.
Dembele update
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed the club have received bids for Dembele – but insists the striker is going nowhere this month.
Lampard is looking to ease the pressure on young marksman Tammy Abraham this month and is understood to have made Dembele one of his top attacking targets.
It is also believed Manchester United are keen to sign Dembele, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer missing out on Erling Haaland to Borussia Dortmund earlier this month.
But despite confirming offers have been received, Aulas has dismissed any possible move for the forward this month.
Aulas told Lyon’s official website: “Moussa Dembele will not leave because he wants to stay to win something with Lyon.
“There have been offers for him and for other players but none of those that we want to keep will leave in January.”
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