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Does Chelsea Need January Signings?

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Antonio Conte’s Chelsea are the most inform team in the Premier League this season and are currently at the top of the Premier League table. The manager has done really well to get his team to play according to the challenges of the English domestic league and is on the verge of taking them to glory. They do not have any cup competitions till the FA Cup comes their way and they are expected to keep their place at the top of the table with relative ease. The manager has been able to settle into a starting XI at the club and this has seen his side stitch a 7-game winning streak in the competition. However, the lack of quality options might see the manager jump into the January transfer window but with playing time at a premium at the Bridge this season, does Conte need any additions in January? Let’s take a look at the three facets of the squad and if they need any additions in January:

Let’s take a look at the three facets of the squad and if they need any additions in January:

Defense:

With Thibaut Courtois and Asmir Begovic at the back, Chelsea have a strong goalkeeping quality in their ranks and will not look to change much. Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill and David Luiz are the first choice centre-backs in Conte’s 3 man defense with the likes of John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic and Kurt Zouma all providing cover if needed. However, the wing-back area is of some concern for the manager going into the crunch part of the season.

Image result for azpilicueta luiz and cahill

Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso have been decent in those positions this season but neither player has a world class backup in the squad and this is something that can hurt them even before the turn of the season. Though there are not many games to keep them busy, Moses and Alonso are important parts of the plans at the Bridge but Conte will have to add one or even two full-backs to his squad to provide some depth if needed. Azpilicueta can shift into this position with Terry coming in at the back but Conte would love to invest on a player who can take the position for the long term.

Midfield:

The Blues do not have the strongest midfield in the competitions but they have been more than consistent and have allowed them to get to the top of the table. N Golo Kante has been a powerhouse in the midfield this season, controlling and dominating position in the middle of the park, helping provide a balance between the attack and the midfield of the side. Nemanja Matic has also done a decent job this season but Conte will be looking to add a player who can provide Matic with some competition. John Obi Mikel and Cesc Fabregas are two players who can fill in if needed but neither player might be at the club come the end of the season and Conte might have to dive into the transfer market for additions.

Image result for kante and matic

A number of star midfielders have been linked with a move to the club recently with Marcelo Brozovic and Radja Nianggolan among others linked with a January move. The manager will know that he needs some more mettle to his midfield to keep his side honest in the title race and the January transfer window will provide him with the perfect opportunity.

Attack:

Diego Costa, the first choice striker is currently the top goal scorer in the league and is expected to start most games for the side. Michy Batshuayi provides enough cover for him and Conte might want to wait till the summer to spend big on a world class player. Eden Hazard and Pedro have cemented places in the side in attacking roles while Willian is patiently waiting his turn. Oscar is also available if needed giving Conte versatility and options if needed.

Chelsea do not have too many games and will not need too much depth but if Conte wants to make sure that he has enough firepower to push them through, he might look to add a young and exciting attacker who can surprise his opponents.

Do you think Conte needs any additions to his squad in January?