Chelsea Identify 2 Defensive Targets To Replace Injured Reece James

Chelsea have reportedly identified two potential defensive targets for the January transfer window.

The Blues are looking to bolster their options at the back next month after Reece James suffered a knee injury during their 2-0 victory over Bournemouth in midweek.

That win saw Graham Potter’s side move to within six points of the top four, while they have a game in hand on some of the teams above them in the Premier League table.

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According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Chelsea are keeping close tabs on Denzel Dumfries, the Inter and Netherlands wing-back.

Dumfries, who is valued at £24.8m by Transfermarkt, has also been scouted by Manchester United, who could sell Aaron Wan-Bissaka at the start of 2023.

Chelsea could be set for a busy month in the transfer market, with the west London outfit thought to be in pole position to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.

Chelsea will return to action against Nottingham Forest this weekend, before they do battle with Manchester City in a crunch clash next Thursday.

The Blues are thought to be in pole position to land Declan Rice, although a deal will not go through until next summer at the earliest.

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Chelsea have been told they will need to spend big to sign Josko Gvardiol, who excelled for Croatia at World Cup 2022.

And the west Londoners have been tipped to renew their interest in Rafael Leao in the January window.

And Chelseaare looking to boost their chances of Champions League qualification by adding further strength in depth to their squad in January.

Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic is one player on Graham Potter’s wish list, according to a report by Sky Sports.