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Chelsea have made a dreadful start to the 2022/23 campaign, having plummeted to tenth place in the Premier League after 17 matches having clinched a place in the top four last season, and the club are consequently eyeing prospective signatures of the highest quality…

Having assumed ownership of Chelsea in 2022, Todd Boehly has plunged right into the thick of the transfer market and fortified the squad with a plethora of signings across the field, spending a total of £315m to date.

And with the centre of the park still considered an area for further reinforcement, West Ham United’s sublime anchor Declan Rice has been touted for several months with an eventual move to Stamford Bridge, having risen through the ranks at Cobham Academy during his formative years.

And with news emerging that Blues boss Graham Potter is considering allowing established ball-playing maestro Jorginho to depart upon his contract expiry at the conclusion of the campaign, space is being made for someone of Rice’s ilk to enter the fray, despite Hammers’ claims that a bid in the region of £100m is paramount.

Rice the remedy

Jorginho has been a stalwart for the Blues since arriving from Napoli in a £50m deal in 2018, making 210 appearances and scoring 29 goals, along with nine assists.

And having clinched several major honours including the Champions League, Europa League and Club World Cup, the Italian ace’s control from the centre of the park has been paramount to the club’s success.

However, with his contract indeed due for expiry at the end of the season, the 31-year-old appears to be considered expendable by his west London outfit, with the youthful Rice holding the potential to be the catalyst for success over the next era of the club’s football.

And this season, Jorginho’s average league rating of 6.83 is the first time during his Chelsea career that Sofascore has dropped his rating below the 7.00 mark; not exactly a statistic to leave Boehly emboldened as he assesses his next transfer move.

Rice, in retrospect, has recorded an average rating 7.23, achieving a simply sublime average pass accuracy of 90% while making 2.3 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game.

And from an offensive standpoint, the 39-cap England international has scored a goal and provided two assists, creating two big chances and making 1.2 key passes per match.

Quite simply, he could spearhead the charge for years to come, and at just 23 years old there is still plenty of nurturing as the player creeps closer towards a pedestal

Potter must act swiftly to sign the “force of nature”, as once lauded by journalist Rob Blanchette, and he can indeed serve as the driving pillar to soar Chelsea toward success, replacing the dwindling Jorginho in the process.

Wolves have reportedly reignited their interest in West Ham defender Craig Dawson and the Englishman could prove to be an excellent addition to Julen Lopetegui’s side this month.

What’s the word?

According to Express and Star journalist Liam Keen, the Old Gold are back in for the 32-year-old having seen a move for him in the summer collapse on deadline day after Aston Villa landed Jan Bednarek ahead of West Ham, meaning Dawson was required to stay at the London Stadium as cover.

Keen took to Twitter to state: “Wolves are interested in West Ham defender Craig Dawson. Club were set to land him in the summer before the move fell through.”

While the former Rochdale man has been a regular in the few months since, making eight starts in the Premier League, it seems clear that he wants a move further back up the country to be closer to his family and Wolves could be set to benefit in this month’s window.

Lopetegui has landed just Matheus Cunha in the window thus far but the Spanish boss definitely looks to be in the market for a centre-back and Dawson could be an experienced head at the back at Molineux as the Old Gold look to distance themselves from any relegation battle this season.

A rock for Lopetegui?

There is little doubt that Lopetegui needs some more experience in his defence following the summer departures of Conor Coady, Romain Saiss and Willy Boly, with just Nathan Collins arriving as a replacement.

While he and Max Kilman have played well together on occasion, they are 21 and 25 respectively, while backup options Toti and Yerson Mosquera also have very little Premier League experience.

On the other hand, Dawson boasts 246 top-flight appearances in his career and would also add a serious threat from set-pieces should he make the move to Molineux, having scored 52 goals in his senior career thus far.

Although his signing was lamented by many at West Ham, he has gone on to establish himself as a cult hero, starring in their run to the Europa League semi-final last season, and winning the plaudits from teammate Michail Antonio.

He said: “He’s been unbelievable, he’s been a rock at the back, he’s like an old-school centre-half. He’s tough, he fights, he’s solid, he’s not scared to get down and deep, he’s been quality and he’s been solid for us. He came in not really to play, he’s taken his opportunity he’s taken his shirt and he’s not giving it up.”

As such, Dawson would be a great player for Lopetegui to have both on and off the pitch for the rest of the season so if Wolves can prise him away from West Ham this month, it could be huge in keeping them in the Premier League.

Leeds United oversaw a vast summer overhaul, in which Jesse Marsch splashed out €104.3m (£92.4m) to mould the team in his image.

The American clearly focused his attention on midfield, where he added Tyler Adams and Marc Roca to replace Kalvin Phillips, who had departed for Manchester City that summer.

The academy graduate was a stalwart in the engine room for the Whites, having inspired their return to the Premier League and a successful first season back in the top flight. However, his injury issues led to him becoming expendable and unreliable, and as such he was sold.

Leeds could be set to finally get that big upgrade for which they have been yearning, in an effort to find that final piece to add complete balance to Marsch’s midfield.

Having sent Victor Orta to sound out some potential candidates, one of the targets with whom he returned is reportedly Seko Fofana of RC Lens.

The 27-year-old has enjoyed a fine career so far, which surprisingly began at Man City’s academy.

It was during Fofana’s time in England that journalist Rob Dawson highlighted him as “an absolute monster of a player”, clearly envisioning the career that he would have. He has since gone on to star in Italy and France, with his recent performances in Ligue 1 earning widespread praise.

Boasting an eye for goal, immense physicality and a varied skillset, Fofana is arguably everything that Phillips was and more in midfield.

This is highlighted in his underlying statistics, in which he ranks in the top 2% for total shots and the top 3% for dribbles completed among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past 12 months. He pairs this with an 88.2% pass completion rate which suggests that, despite his desire to push forward, he also retains the ball quite well (via FBref).

The Ivory Coast international has translated these attributes into impressive form this season, recording a 7.12 average rating from Sofascore.

On initial glance, his defensive duties could be seen as somewhat lacking, as he has only managed 0.8 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per game. The former metric is far outstripped by Adams and Roca, who have recorded four and 2.2 tackles per game respectively, although Fofana’s work rate has still come in for high praise.

Journalist Adam White outlined the 6 foot 1 maestro for praise in that regard, stating a year ago: “He’s also had a series of standout displays against the bigger clubs in the league. He was relentless in the 3-2 win at Marseille earlier this season and his goal and typically all-action display deserved to beat PSG too. 

“He manages to play midfield enforcer, creator and dynamo all at once, it’s quite incredible.”

Although Phillips was exceptional in his first season in England’s top flight in 2020/21, receiving a 7.21 average rating from Sofascore, this was not sustainable given his injury issues. His rating dropped to 6.84 last term and, having barely featured in the current campaign, his current seasonal rating is 6.60.

This season alone has seen Fofana dwarf Phillips’ 85% pass accuracy from 2020/21, and his six goal contributions have already surpassed the 27-year-old’s three from that campaign too. 

In almost every metric, the Lens titan comes out on top. Therefore, it makes perfect sense for Marsch to sign him, no matter the price, and finally move on from Phillips’ exit from Elland Road last year.

Glasgow Rangers continued their unbeaten start to life under new head coach Michael Beale with a 3-2 win over Kilmarnock in the Premiership on Wednesday night.

However, they had to come from behind to secure all three points as the home side opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Christopher Stokes rose highest to head in a corner.

The Gers battled back to make it 1-1 in the 22nd minute as Fashion Sakala made a brilliant run down the right channel and picked out the perfect cross for Alfredo Morelos to roll the ball into the back of the net.

It took until the 51st minute for the Light Blues to take the lead as Morelos turned provider to cut the ball back to Ryan Kent inside the box and the winger superbly fired into the bottom corner to make it 2-1.

Kilmarnock were dealt a huge blow on the hour mark as forward Danny Armstrong, bemusingly, decided to elbow Borna Barisic in the face and was sent off for his second bookable offence.

Morelos made it 3-1 in the 72nd minute as he jumped highest to head a cross into the bottom corner for his second goal of the game, before the hosts scored a phenomenal consolation goal through Joe Wright – who smashed a volley into the roof of the net.

One Rangers player who caught the eye with his performance, outside of the goalscorers, was Croatia international left-back Barisic as he put in an excellent display.

The defender was criticised for his showing in the League Cup semi-final clash with Aberdeen last time out as he produced a defensive calamity for the Dons’ opening goal in the match – allowing Matthew Kennedy to run beyond him, after a lapse in concentration, to assist their striker.

Barisic, however, can now forget his League Cup horror show as the defensive gem put in an excellent performance against Kilmarnock and redeemed himself for Beale.

The 30-year-old was defensively solid throughout the 90 minutes as he allowed little to go past him on the night. As per Sofascore, the dynamo won eight of his 11 duels (73%) and made four tackles and two clearances, without being dribbled past a single time.

In possession, Barisic had a whopping 100 touches of the ball and completed 80% of his attempted passes. The full-back also created two chances for his teammates and the gem’s deflected cross, which has not gone down as his assist, allowed Morelos to make it 3-1.

He was also able to win a free-kick and, in turn, reduce Kilmarnock down to ten men when his coolness at the back allowed him to take the ball past Armstrong – leading to the midfielder elbowing him.

Therefore, the Croatian talent redeemed himself after his League Cup nightmare by playing a crucial role in the win on Wednesday and Beale should consequently be delighted with his left-back’s performance on the night.

Leeds United are still looking at making more signings this month, according to Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Leeds’ January

The Whites have had a mixed bag throughout January, with them picking up just two points from a possible nine in the Premier League, while eventually pushing Cardiff City aside in the FA Cup, winning the replay 5-2 after a late comeback had saved their blushes in Wales.

Meanwhile, their transfer business has so far been positive, with the signings of Max Wober and club-record transfer Georginio Rutter bolstering Leeds’ squad.

However, results are yet to suggest they will steer clear of trouble come May, with the Whites just a point above the relegation zone – albeit with a game in hand on their rivals at the bottom.

The Latest: Jones’ comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport about Jesse Marsch’s new record signing, Jones also revealed that more incomings at Elland Road aren’t off the table, saying:

“That’s a really, really big transfer to get done. And again, it just shows that the club are committed to try and keep this side in the Premier League and are pushing everything into doing that.

“So, we can’t rule out the possibility of other players coming in at the moment.”

The Verdict: Who could arrive?

With the Whites looking nervously over their shoulder at the drop zone amid a winless run of six league games dating back to before the World Cup, incomings have to be expected given their current position.

One obvious player who’s been hotly linked with a move to Elland Road is Morocco World Cup star Azzedine Ounahi, who has been rumoured to make a £26m switch to West Yorkshire by 90min.

However, Sport Witness has previously reported that Aston Villa have also entered the race to sign him, leaving presenter Conor McGilligan worried they will be financially outmuscled by a side ten points ahead of them at present.

Another target attracting huge interest from Europe is Roma’s attacking midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, who has been linked with a move to Leeds by Calciomercato, but with touted clubs such as Arsenal and Chelsea ahead of the Whites, that could also be considered unlikely.

We think both signings would be massive coups if they can be pulled off given the relative interest and the player’s reputations, and it could well be an interesting end to the month at Elland Road if Jones’ comments are anything to go by.

Crystal Palace are still thought to be keen on signing Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher before the January transfer window closes, according to Alex Crook.

The Lowdown: Ahamada move

The Eagles look set to bolster their midfield ranks for Patrick Vieira with a move for Naouirou Ahamada. Stuttgart and Palace appeared to have agreed on an €11m (£9.7m) deal, with the player undergoing a medical on Monday.

The 20-year-old can play as a holding or central midfielder, and it looks as if he isn’t the only midfielder wanted by Selhurst Park officials.

The Latest: Gallagher claim

Crook shared a transfer notebook for talkSPORT on Monday, describing Gallagher as ‘one of the most sought-after players heading into the final hours of the transfer window’.

He said that Palace are one of three Premier League clubs keen on the 22-year-old’s services, with the Chelsea man keen on reuniting with Vieira at Selhurst Park.

The Verdict: One to watch?

It looks as if this will be one to keep an eye on as the day progresses, with Chelsea keen on adding to their midfield by signing Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez.

A £100m+ transfer fee has been mooted, so if that materialises, perhaps Stamford Bridge officials would be more open to the idea of offloading Gallagher, who Graham Potter recently described as ‘fantastic’.

The Englishman enjoyed a hugely successful Selhurst Park loan spell last term, winning the club’s Player of the Season prize after contributing to can also play in a variety of central roles and could provide a more attacking threat in the middle of the park, with Matt Woosnam believing that the midfield is a problem towards Palace’s lack of goals.

It seems to make sense to bring him in at Selhurst Park, but whether or not Chelsea will give the green light remains to be seen.

Chelsea manager Graham Potter has had conversations with Moises Caicedo over a transfer, journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed.

What’s the word?

The Brighton midfielder has been the subject of heavy transfer interest from Chelsea and Arsenal, with both clubs bidding to bring him to London.

Potter originally signed Caicedo for Brighton during his time in charge at the club, and is seemingly keen on reuniting with the 21-year-old.

Speaking on Chelsea Fan TV, Jacobs claimed that Caicedo could choose either club, with no previous loyalty to either, but his previous conversations with Potter could play a part.

“So it’s going to be interesting to see what the direction of travel is with the actual valuation. My sense is the first club to agree a deal with Brighton will be the club that Caicedo goes to, because I don’t think that he’s got as defined loyalty to either,” he stated.

“Chelsea’s interest is definitely more long-standing. And he has already held conversations as I understand it with Graham Potter.”

A bigger role

If he were to join league leaders Arsenal now, he would predominantly act as cover to Thomas Partey, whereas Chelsea could be prepared to hand him a starting role upon arrival.

However, both clubs are well stocked in midfield, with Chelsea already possessing a lot of players on their books despite their interest.

Arsenal could entice him given their position in the table, but Potter’s presence at Chelsea, as well as the allure of a starting place, could sway his decision in Chelsea’s favour.

Nottingham Forest have lodged a deadline day bid for Atalanta defender Merih Demiral, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Cooper making moves…

Reports have suggested that Forest are making moves this January transfer window deadline day with talks apparently happening over PSG keeper Keylor Navas.

This comes after the Premier League strugglers added the likes of Chris Wood and Danilo to their ranks with Forest up against it as they battle for their top flight survival.

The Latest: Forest make Demiral bid…

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Forest have made a deadline day offer to sign defender Demiral in the form of an ‘onerous loan with the right to buy’.

This option to purchase would turn into an obligation if certain conditions are met, totalling around €28 million (£24.6m).

However, while Atalanta are willing to talk, the player is ‘less convinced’.

The Verdict: Right man?

The Turkey international could certainly bolster Cooper’s options if they can get a deadline day move over the line and convince Demiral to make a move.

According to WhoScored, the centre-back ranks in Atalanta’s top five for tackles and interceptions made per 90 and also ranks just behind teammate Mehmeh Okoli for clearances.

He’s also third in their squad for aerial duels won per 90, standing out as a very good and reliable defender when at his very best.

The 24-year-old is still pretty young as well and would come to Forest as a longevity signing if the loan was indeed made permanent.

Called a defender who has ‘got everything’ by Serie A expert Conor Clancy, perhaps the pull of English football could convince Demiral to make the move.

Chelsea are ‘desperate’ to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and are expected to offer players as part of the exchange.

The Lowdown: Blues busy…

The Stamford Bridge side have been one of Premier League football’s busiest sides in terms of making transfers, spending a grand total of £488 million since Todd Boehly’s arrival.

Graham Potter is yet to realise the full potential of this star-studded Chelsea squad but could need more time to truly assemble them to a real winning force.

Chelsea chiefs, despite their lavish spending thus far, appear set to make more moves this summer with the Blues now listing Osimhen as a top target.

The Latest: Chelsea ‘desperate’ to win Osimhen race…

According to 90min, Chelsea have the Napoli star at the very top of their wish list, with this report claiming they are ‘desperate to win the race’ for his signature.

It is believed he is valued at a staggering €150 million (£133m) but the west Londoners are planning to whittle down this price by offering a ‘number of players’ in exchange.

Romelu Lukaku is a possibility in this regard, provided the player doesn’t return to Inter permanently.

The Verdict: Perfect player…

Chelsea will face serious competition for Osimhen this summer given Man United are also on the hunt for a world class striking option.

The Red Devils have been credited with serious interest in Nigeria’s international gem, but if Chelsea can tempt him to London instead, there is little denying he will upgrade Potter’s forward options.

Called a ‘monster’ by members of the press, Osimhen has lead Napoli’s charge to a potential Serie A title this season – standing out as a real key player.

According to WhoScored, the 24-year-old has racked up a pretty incredible 16 goals in 16 starts for Napoli with the threatening forward also averaging a seismic 4.1 attempts at goal per 90.

It’s hardly surprising Napoli and chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis have slapped such a mammoth valuation on Osimhen’s head. If the club chief is open to discussing part-exchange offers, Chelsea may be set to attempt one of the summer’s biggest moves.

Glasgow Rangers have made massive strides since appointing Michael Beale in November last year.

The Ibrox side have yet to lose under the Englishman, winning 11 of their 12 matches so far and the players are beginning to adjust to his tactical philosophy.

Add to the fact the Light Blues managed to sign two quality midfielders in the shape of Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin during January proves that Beale is looking ahead to next season already and making the required changes in personnel.

Despite the club heading in the right direction, Beale should be worried about the volume of players he has who are out of contract come the end of the current season, with seven first-team playing members able to leave for free.

The likes of Steven Davis, Allan McGregor, and Scott Arfield will likely be on the move in the summer; however, decisions have to be made regarding Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Jack, and Ryan Kent as soon as possible, with the latter having undergone a remarkable turnaround under the 42-year-old.

Will Ryan Kent sign a new contract at Rangers?

Before Giovanni van Bronckhorst was sacked in November, the £18k-per-week gem had scored just once all season while registering five assists as he was often an isolated figure on the left wing.

Since Beale has been in charge however, it’s been a totally different story and the winger certainly looks like he has “rediscovered himself” lately – according to journalist Josh Bunting – and a new contract should be drafted before it’s too late.

Under the Englishman, Kent has scored twice and grabbed three further assists and the club’s latest 2-1 victory over Ross County saw the winger at his very best.

The 26-year-old was in full flow as he made three key passes, succeeded with all his dribble attempts, hit the woodwork, and completed 92% of his passes and this type of form will be key in the future as Rangers look to get out of sticky situations, whereby under Van Bronckhorst, the match would simply bypass him as the Rangers attack would become fair too rigid.

Former teammate Leon Balogun hailed Kent as a “wizard” and when he is at his best, there is arguably no greater winger in Scotland.

Having invested £7.5m on the player in 2019, the club surely can’t afford to lose him for free and if he can continue his current resurgence for the rest of the season and into 2023/24, then the Gers will have an excellent shot at winning the Premiership crown.