Chelsea have transfer plans in place as Enzo Maresca makes two priorities

"While fans may be hoping for immediate January reinforcements, reports suggest the Blues are instead taking a more measured and strategic approach. According to The Standard, Chelsea's key priorities lie further down the line, with major recruitment plans centred on 2026 rather than the upcoming winter window. The club are particularly keen to strengthen two crucial areas: central defense and central midfield."

"Despite identifying these needs, Chelsea are not expected to make significant moves in January. The report adds that the club are likely to remain relatively quiet next month, focusing instead on squad management and planning rather than marquee signings. Financial discipline, wage structure considerations, and confidence in the current group all play a role in that stance. Chelsea's season began in promising fashion, with encouraging performances suggesting progress under Enzo Maresca."

"However, inconsistency has continued to plague the side. Dropped points in matches where Chelsea dominated possession and chances have prevented them from keeping pace with the league's frontrunners. While big-name arrivals are unlikely in January, Chelsea will continue monitoring elite young talent across Europe. The Blues are keeping a close eye on Konstantinos Karetsas, the highly rated Genk playmaker who has attracted attention from several top clubs."

Chelsea are preparing a longer-term rebuild with primary transfer targets scheduled for 2026, prioritising central defence and central midfield. The squad currently lacks midfield depth and relies heavily on Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, who have carried extensive workloads this season. The club plans to remain measured in the January window, emphasising squad management, financial discipline, wage-structure considerations, and faith in the present group rather than pursuing marquee signings. Performances under Enzo Maresca showed early promise, but inconsistency and dropped points have hindered progress. Scouting of elite young talent across Europe continues, including close monitoring of Genk playmaker Konstantinos Karetsas.

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