Exclusive: Latest on Chelsea Transfer Plans as Club Eye Gedson Fernandes, Moussa Dembélé & Issa Diop
By Tom Gott
Now that Chelsea's transfer ban has been lifted, the Blues have been tipped to sign a number of different players during the January transfer window.
Defenders, midfielders and attackers are all thought to be on Chelsea's wish list for the coming weeks, with Frank Lampard looking to bolster his squad as they look to cling on to the final Champions League qualification spot.
One man who has suddenly emerged as a potential option is Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes. Chelsea lodged an 18-month loan bid with a £55m obligation to buy if he features in 50% of the Blues' games, but it has been confirmed to 90min that West Ham United are still leading the race for his signature.
The Hammers had initially only offered to pay £33m, but they have since increased their offer. Benfica are leaning towards accepting their latest bid as they don't believe Fernandes will play enough with Chelsea to trigger a permanent move to Stamford Bridge.
West Ham are confident of getting this deal over the line, but Benfica are still weighing up all of their options.
Next up is Lyon striker Moussa Dembélé, who is rumoured to have agreed personal terms with the Blues. However, the Frenchman will not be leaving Lyon this month as they are determined to fend off all offers.
That could have a knock-on effect for Olivier Giroud, who could still leave, but not before Chelsea bring in a replacement. The Blues don't want to sign someone who doesn't have a long-term future at the club, but they will have to look away from Dembélé.
Finally, a new centre-back is high on Chelsea's agenda, but 90min has learned that it will not be West Ham United's Issa Diop. The Hammers are adamant that the 22-year-old is not for sale and they will refuse all offers.
The Blues are still expected to continue their search for a new defender, and they may even need to find another if Andreas Christensen leaves, with AC Milan understood to be keen on striking a deal for the centre-back.