Chelsea transfers: Every player linked with January move

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 30 Dec 2025 08:07 CST
• 6 min read

Analysis

Chelsea have spent over €2 billion since the arrival of Clearlake Capital as their new owners and their business in the market is unlikely to slow down in 2026.

Reports suggest Enzo Maresca’s side may be quiet in regards to incomings during the January window, with the club instead expected to prioritise the sales of several unwanted stars.

However, they have unsurprisingly been linked with a plethora of players across world football as the hierarchy look for possible deals to improve the first-team squad at Stamford Bridge.

Below, FootballTransfers runs through every player linked with a January move to Chelsea.

Goalkeepers

Mike Maignan - AC Milan

Chelsea remain the favourites to sign Mike Maignan, despite deciding against landing him this summer. (TEAMtalk)

Defenders

Honest Ahanor - Atalanta

Chelsea are paying close attention to the progress of Atalanta wonderkid Honest Ahanor amid competition from Manchester City. (TEAMtalk)

Murillo (Nottingham Forest)

Murillo is admired by the Chelsea hierarchy and could leave Nottingham Forest in 2026, although Real Madrid are also keeping close tabs on his progress. (The Daily Mail)

Alessandro Bastoni - Inter Milan

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is “crazy” about Alessandro Bastoni, but he has no intention of leaving Inter Milan. (FC Inter News)

Jeremy Jacquet - Rennes

Chelsea are leading the race to sign Jeremy Jacquet in January, although Rennes are determined to retain his services until at least next summer. (Le Parisien)

Mario Gila - Lazio

Chelsea and Bournemouth are both eager to sign 25-year-old Lazio star Mario Gila. (Il Messaggero)

Cassiano Kiala - Bayern Munich

Chelsea have held talks with Cassiano Kiala’s father over a possible Stamford Bridge switch. (The Mirror)

Midfielders

Elliot Anderson - Nottingham Forest

Elliot Anderson is being targeted by several top Premier League clubs and Chelsea are among those eager to land him. (The Mirror)

Adam Wharton - Crystal Palace

Chelsea wanted to sign Adam Wharton during his time at Blackburn Rovers and they are once again well-placed in the race for his signature ahead of January. (Fichajes)

Ayyoub Bouaddi - Lille

Chelsea are ready to submit a January bid for Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi in an attempt to beat Arsenal and Manchester United to the France U21 international. (CaughtOffside)

Kees Smit - AZ Alkmaar

Kees Smit is one of the most sought-after talents in Europe and Chelsea have overtaken Newcastle in the race to sign him. (The i Paper)

Konstantinos Karetsas - Genk

Genk wonderkid Konstantinos Karetsas has been added to Chelsea’s transfer wishlist amid his recent form in Belgium. (TEAMtalk)

James McAtee - Nottingham Forest

Chelsea are one of five Premier League clubs keeping tabs on James McAtee due to his lack of game time at Nottingham Forest. (The Daily Mail)

Jude Bellingham - Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham has been earmarked as a dream signing by the Chelsea hierarchy and they could offer Enzo Fernandez in exchange for the England superstar. (Defensa Central)

Aleksandar Pavlovic - Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich star Aleksandar Pavlovic has emerged as a key target for both Chelsea and Man City. (TEAMtalk)

Forwards

Oscar Bobb - Man City

Chelsea have rekindled their interest in Man City star Oscar Bobb amid rumours he could leave the club in January. (Simon Phillips)

Jeremy Monga - Leicester City

Leicester City wonderkid Jeremy Monga is being tracked by several top clubs and Chelsea are pushing to win the race for his signature. (TEAMtalk)

Vitor Roque - Palmeiras

Chelsea are making a “serious effort” to finalise a January deal for ex-Barcelona striker Vitor Roque. (Sky Sport)

Said Remadnia - Marseille

Chelsea are in advanced negotiations to sign Marseille youngster Said Remadnia. (Africa Foot)

Djylian N'Guessan - Saint-Etienne

Chelsea have submitted an €8 million bid for Djylian N'Guessan, although this has been rejected by Saint-Etienne. (L’Equipe)

Kenan Yildiz - Juventus

Chelsea have established contact with Kenan Yildiz’s representatives amid his contract extension talks with Juventus. (CaughtOffside)

Said El Mala - Koln

Said El Mala has enjoyed a fantastic start to the 2025-26 season and Chelsea are ready to challenge for his signature. (talkSPORT)

Santiago Castro - Bologna

Chelsea officials have scouted Santiago Castro ahead of a possible January move for the Bologna centre forward. (Gazzetta dello Sport, via Football365)

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