Mahrez and Icardi signed, Zola hired as sporting director - Chelsea fan hopes for January
WHAT HAPPENS AT A FOOTBALLER'S PRE-TRANSFER MEDICAL
As deadline day approaches, how is the reality of Chelsea's January transfer window panning out compared to what fans said they wanted from the mid-season trolley dash back at the start of the month?
In December football.london asked supporters about their hopes for the new year with hundreds responding to our survey, and it was clear that the Blues faithful had a clear idea of what would constitute a satisfactory haul going into the final weeks of the season.
A new star left-back, more firepower up front and a grand sale to remove the deadwood from Antonio Conte's squad with the Italian still vying for honours in the cups, if not the Premier League.
With the knock out rounds of the Champions League to come, and silverware up for grabs in the EFL Cup and FA Cup, there remains a serious appetite to see some new signings at Stamford Bridge during the first month of 2018 following the capture of Ross Barkley - more on that shortly.
Fans told us what they'd like to see from the new year transfer window, as well as what they think is likely to happen. The results are below.
How do you think Chelsea's season has gone so far?
Fans were asked to mark the campaign so far out of five - one being very poor, five being excellent and three being bang average.
According to those who responded to the survey, with their scores averaged out across their answers, the Blues are currently rated at a two for their efforts across the Premier League, the Champions League and the domestic cups.
Conte hasn't exactly hidden his disappointment over how his second season in England has gone and after dropping regular hints over the need for more players and a greater sense of urgency in the market, he will surely be hoping to call upon a few new reinforcements in January.
However, there are some areas of his squad in need or more attention than others, according to the fans.
Where do Chelsea need to strengthen in January?
Fans were allowed to select as many positions as they deemed necessary but it's clear that there are two sections of the team in desperate need for some new blood and new ideas.
It is obvious that they aren't happy with the options available to Conte up front. Whenever Alvaro Morata has been unavailable or out of sorts Chelsea have mostly struggled.
With Michy Batshuayi either injured or unfancied by the manager, that leaves the Blues short on attackers to lead the line and punish defences.
A mighty 85% of respondents picked out the need for a new centre-forward ahead of the full-back situation which caught the eye of half of those who took part in the survey, and attacking midfielders weren't too far behind on the list of priorities with just under 44% of clicks, followed by wingers on 40%.
Clearly, fans want to see a few more game changers at Stamford Bridge - but who?
If Chelsea could make one signing in January who would it be?
Next, supporters were asked to name their dream signing in the new year transfer window.
Despite the claims of a need for a new striker it was a left-back that took the spoils. Long-time target Alex Sandro dominated the votes with 24% of respondents naming the Juventus man as the best possible January outcome for Chelsea.
Next it was Torino forward Andrea Belotti, a hard-working and combative attacker who likes to get in his opponents' faces and improvise a finish from all sorts of angles. Great in the air, stocky and powerful for his size, he has all the tenacity of a certain Diego Costa when he gets going, and maybe that's why 15% put his name down.
After that there were no stand out candidates but a list of attacking midfielders, strikers and wingers including Alexis Sanchez, Mauro Icardi, Paulo Dybala, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Riyad Mahrez.
Best and worst transfer rumours going into the January transfer window
Sandro was also the top-rated rumour with 25% of voters putting the Brazilian ahead of the rest with Thomas Lemar ranked in second place on 19%, Aubameyang in third on 10% and Mahrez down in fourth with 6%.
Over on the other side and for obvious reasons supporters have been less than pleased with all the talk around Eden Hazard leaving Stamford Bridge. A hefty 28% thought that stories about the Belgian's potential departure were the worst rumours they'd heard going into the January wndow.
Ross Barkley isn't in too many Chelsea fans' good books either. He was rated as the second-worst rumour on 19% - before he signed for club earlier this month. David Luiz to Manchester Untied or Newcastle Untied was third with 7% of votes.
Who should Chelsea sell or loan in January?
If one things clear from the survey it's that Chelsea fans think Batshuayi needs a loan with 68% calling for the Belgian to be sent away to play some games.
After the striker came similar calls to find a temporary home for Charly Musonda and Kenedy, while 5% of respondents want Willian sold and another 4% have had enough with Pedro. A further 4% would like to see David Luiz let go.
Jake Clarke-Salter was also given a nod. Fans would like to see him given the chance to get senior minutes elsewhere in the short-term.
Other business to attend to in January
A pick of the best or most representative responses.
"Hire Gianfranco Zola as a sporting director. His legend status at the club and his knowledge of the game and the club’s philosophy,combined with his friendship with Antonio Conte would benefit the whole club and he would act as a link between the head coach and the board regarding transfers, players and future planning."
"Kurt Zouma back from Stoke to replace the outgoing Luìz (if he leaves)."
"Signing key players to improved and longer contracts.
"An attacking midfield with ability to break teams and control a game."
"Give Baba Rahman a chance."
"An all action midfielder that can create and fill Conte's defensive requirements. Someone to thread a pass and unlock any defence And a world class striker."
"The type of goal-scoring midifielder that we've been missing since the Frank Lampard days. An eye for goal, technically good, good passer, has those late runs into the box, eligible to play in Champions League."
Who do you want to see Chelsea sign in January? Let us know in the comments below.
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