Chelsea advance transfer plans as position targeted ahead of January window | OneFootball

Chelsea have advanced plans to improve their squad ahead of the January transfer window, according to reports.

The Blues spent big in the summer, investing in both the current first-team and for the future, which led to heavy scrutiny over the club's transfer strategy.

It included agreed deals for the likes of Estevao Willian, Mike Penders, Aaron Anselmino and Caleb Wiley.

Despite Joao Felix, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jadon Sancho, Pedro Neto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Renato Veiga and Filip Jorgensen all boosting Enzo Maresca's squad earlier this year, Chelsea are targeting more business.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea could become active in the January transfer window to boost their chances in the Premier League this season.

Chelsea made a total of 13 signings in the summer transfer window, with Tosin Adarabioyo (right) among those to arrive. / IMAGO / Action Plus

Taking to his YouTube channel, Romano revealed: "Chelsea are actively monitoring the centre-backs market. Let's see if it will be January or the summer. In the final days of the summer transfer window Chelsea were considering bringing in a new centre-back."

The Italian journalist shared one of the names that Chelsea appreciate. He revealed: "One player they love is Tomas Araujo. They were considering a move for him, so were PSG. Nothing happened because Benfica would not sell an important player.

"Now I can confirm that Chelsea are monitoring this market and following several players. They are interested in several players in 2025.

"They are actively monitoring and scouting the market. For sure, Chelsea are showing concrete interest in bringing in a centre-back. It's not guaranteed to be January, but it could be in the summer."

Tomas Araujo (left) is one of Chelsea's reported transfer targets for next year. / IMAGO / Kirchner-Media

It remains to be seen what this will mean for Chelsea's current defensive options, with Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana the preferred pairing for Maresca so far in the Premier League.

Axel Disasi has struggled for game time in the league, being utilised as a right-back in the Conference League as Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile have occupied the central defensive positions in these matches.

Furthermore, Anselmino could arrive at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2025 after it was claimed the Blues struck a deal with Boca Juniors to extend the youngster's time in Argentina.

While fans online have speculated that Araujo could be the perfect partner for Colwill long-term at Stamford Bridge, it remains to be seen as to whether Benfica would be open to selling the player in January.