The Blues were given a good chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, will reportedly recommend his client to Chelsea again during the winter window after discussing a move with the Blues during the summer transfer window. After the interview, Ronaldo launched an attack on Manchester United and Eric Teng-Haag, with the striker appearing to be heading towards the exit gate at Old Trafford. The 37-year-old has been linked to a summer move to Chelsea, but then-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was deemed opposed to a transfer. According to local media in London, Mendes is expected to recommend Ronaldo to Chelsea again, although the transfer remains "complicated". While Chelsea have yet to decide whether they will sign Ronaldo, reports say they are also looking for other targets. Nkunku, Rafael Leo and Ivan Toni, who play for Leipzig, AC Milan and Brentford respectively, have all been seen as options to strengthen Chelsea's attack.
Barca are interested in a Villa midfielder
Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Douglas Luis for Aston Villa and are ready to include Frank Kessi as part of a potential deal. Luis was rumoured to be leaving Villa Park in the summer, but he recently signed a new contract to keep him at the club until June 2026. Despite signing a long-term contract, local media at Birmingham City reported that Barcelona had identified Luis as a potential target as they looked to strengthen their midfield in the January transfer window. The Catalan giants are reportedly preparing bids, which could include seeing Frank Kessi move in the opposite direction. Kessie joined Barcelona on a free transfer from AC Milan in the summer, but he has been fighting for playing time, starting just five games this season. While Barcelona are seen to be willing to offer a transfer fee and Kessie to strike a deal, Luis' new contract could hinder potential transfers. Luiz has scored two goals and two assists in 16 appearances for Villa this season.
Blues or winter window to sign the Russia international
Dynamo Moscow's youngster Arsen Zaharyan confirmed that talks are underway to move to Chelsea. The 19-year-old appears poised to join the Blues in the summer transfer window after Chelsea activated the £12.6 million release clause for the Russia international. However, due to UK sanctions against Russia, as well as FIFA's rules and regulations regarding the transfer of Russian or Ukrainian players, Chelsea were unable to complete the deal. Although Zahariya is unable to join the Premier League club in the summer, he revealed talks are underway ahead of a possible January transfer. He told British media: "I'm not thinking about it now. You can ask the club, my agent. I think it's okay. Negotiations are ongoing. But I won't reveal all the hole cards. Zaharyan made 20 appearances for Dynamo Moscow this season, scoring three goals and providing six assists.