While many of Chelsea’s competitors are involved in midweek European fixtures, the Blues have a full week to prepare for their next Premier League match. Enzo Maresca’s team will face West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on Monday night (8pm kick-off), with the January transfer window also closing that evening.

Chelsea are gearing up for a critical evening. Not only do Maresca’s side need to return to winning form, but they also face the challenge of navigating the transfer deadline day, having yet to make any signings.

Sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart are juggling multiple tasks in the final days of the window, as Maresca works to strengthen his squad. With Nicolas Jackson having gone seven Premier League matches without scoring and Mykhailo Mudryk serving a suspension, signing a versatile forward has become a top priority this month.

Mathys Tel, who can play as a striker or on the left wing, has been strongly linked to a move to Stamford Bridge. However, Chelsea are not the only club interested in him, as rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are also in the race.

Another player of interest is Alejandro Garnacho, though it remains uncertain whether the Manchester United forward is keen on leaving Old Trafford. On the outgoing side, reports suggest Axel Disasi and Joao Felix could be joining Aston Villa.

Lastly, the possibility of a player-plus-cash swap deal for Jhon Duran appears to be fading quickly. The young striker has reportedly completed a medical ahead of a high-value transfer to Saudi Arabia.