Hello and welcome to today's football.london live Chelsea blog!
It's the second day after a great win for the Blues, taking all three points from London rivals Tottenham in a 2-0 win.
Hakim Ziyech and Thiago Silva both found the net in a third win over Spurs this month to take Thomas Tuchel's side within ten points of league leaders Manchester City.
The side will now have a break from Premier League action, though they do have an FA Cup tie coming up.
Off-the-pitch Tuchel will also have a focus on the transfer window, with the January market reaching the final few days.
A left wing-back is said to remain a priority for the team, though they could strengthen elsewhere.
With that in mind, sit back and let football.london bring you all the latest news as it happens.
Silva reveals Club World Cup plans
Thiago Silva is determined to help motivate his Chelsea team-mates to triumph at next month's FIFA Club World Cup.
In an interview with ESPN Brazil recently, the experienced Blues defender said: "I thoroughly believe in these players and in this coaching staff. We all have big ambitions, and we all think about winning. We never play to lose, in fact, nobody plays to lose.
"Nobody likes to lose, but we have to understand that this is the Club World Cup. I am Brazilian myself, and I will always motivate our players for these games that separate us from winning another title."
Latest on Araujo
The latest on Chelsea's reported pursuit of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo.
Mendy progresses
Edouard Mendy played for Senegal as they beat Cape Verde 2-0 to progress into the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Well done, Edouard!
Azpilicueta latest
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta will not make a definitive decision over his future until after the international break.
The Spaniard has been strongly linked with Barcelona with six months remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Araujo decision
According to reports, Ronald Araujo has turned down a contract offer from Barcelona.
The 22-year-old defender has been linked with Chelsea over recent weeks and this latest development may alert the Blues.
Latest on Dest
Chelsea have been strongly linked with Barcelona defender Sergino Dest this month. Read the very latest on the USA international below.
Chelsea's stance on defensive duo
According to the Evening Standard, Barcelona are interested in Chelsea pair Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta, but the Blues have no intentions of allowing them to leave.
The Blues duo are both set to be out of contract at the end of the season, but the west London club are still locked in negotiations with them both over extending their respective deals.
Lampard in talks
Former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard will 'discuss' the role of Everton manager this week, it has been claimed.
The Blues icon is one of the many names to have been linked with the vacant managerial role at Goodison Park following the sacking of Rafa Benitez earlier this month and will have further conversations regarding the job, according to Alan Myers.
Lampard was relieved of his duties at Stamford Bridge around 12 months ago and has been without a job in professional football ever since.
Dembele meeting
Ousmane Dembele is reportedly holding a "crucial meeting" with his agent over his future. In London of all places!
Dembele warning
Former Manchester United man Luke Chadwick has warned Chelsea about possibly signing Ousmane Dembele this month.
Speaking to CaughtOffside, Chadwick said: "He is a hugely exciting player when he is on form - great speed, balance, skill on the ball. But with his wage demands I would be surprised if anyone in world football gave that to him.
"He needs to find a level of consistency and find a club where he stay for a period of time. He'd be an exciting signing for the Premier League, and that next move is a hugely important one for him.
"Obviously that previous relationship (with Tuchel) always helps a lot. I think in terms of the shape Chelsea play, I am not sure it would suit him. They don't tend to play with out-and-out wingers, it is more inverted wide-men."
Almost 1 year of Thomas Tuchel
Tomorrow marks the 1st anniversary of Thomas Tuchel's appointment as Chelsea manager!
Have your say on his time so far in the survey below
Worrying Dest possibility
According to The Athletic, the Blues are looking at a loan deal for Barcelona’s 21-year-old defender.
The report explains Thomas Tuchel’s side still have him on their radar, even after recalling Kenedy from his loan in January.
However, with Reece James returning to full fitness, Malang Sarr proving his worth and Kenedy recalled, there's a possibility no signing will be made - something that will worry Chelsea fans.
United lead race for Declan Rice alternative
Manchester United and Aston Villa are both leading Chelsea in the race to sign Boubacar Kamara.
The 22-year-old could leave Marseille on a free in the summer when his contract runs out.
de Jong round-up
For the latest transfer headlines linking Frenkie de Jong with a move to Chelsea, click this link.
Sule to replace Christensen?
Bayern Munich are targeting Andreas Christensen to replace Niklas Sule who is set to leave the Bundesliga outfit afte rejecting a contract extension.
More on Tagliafico
We brought you news about Nicolas Tagliafico earlier today, and you can read more via this link.
Bayern make de Jong contact
Marca claims that Bayern Munich have already ‘been in contact’ with Frenkie de Jong's agents over a move to Germany.
The Bundesliga outfit see the ace ‘as a player who would fit in perfectly at the Allianz Arena’ and view him as a ‘long-term option’ for their midfield.
Who is Borna Sosa?
According to Sky Germany, via the Metro, Stuttgart are holding out for a €30million (£25.1million) transfer fee for Croatia international Borna Sosa, which could put Chelsea off making a move for him this month.
Is he worth that price?
Find out more here.
Chelsea lead Dembele race
Newcastle United could potentially miss out on the signing of Ousmane Dembele with Chelsea now leading the chase for the FC Barcelona attacker.
According to the Athletic, via HITC, Thomas Tuchel’s side have expressed an interest in the France international, and a late move for the 24-year-old winger could be on the table should Chelsea feel tempted to pull the trigger on Dembele.
Major Tagliafico blow
According to ESPN, Argentina international Nicolas Tagliafico has told Ajax that his heart is set on Barcelona.
With that being the case, a proposed switch to Stamford Bridge for the 29-year-old now looks a non-starter.
Rudiger replacement options
football.london hastaken a look at the players who could replace Antonio Rudiger in the summer if the German decides to leave the club.
Read more here.
Hazard alternative
According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Chelsea have identified Marco Asensio as a potential target.
Former Blue and Asensio's teammate Eden Hazard had been considered as an option but Chelsea are seemingly heading in a different direction.
Done deal?
According to Alvarez, Barcelona have an agreement in place to sign Cesar Azpilicueta on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Ousmane Dembele to Chelsea transfer latest: Deal 'unlikely', Barcelona's stance, loan 'possible'
Transfer to Chelsea 'unlikely' this month
Chelsea's pursuit of signing a new left-wing-back before the January transfer window closes means that a Dembele loan swoop is 'unlikely' as it stands at this late stage, football.london understands.
Chelsea are understood to be monitoring Dembele's situation at Barcelona given Tuchel's fondness of the 24-year-old. However, unless a late opportunity arises and a member of the Chelsea attack departs, the France international is unlikely to arrive this month.
Will Ross Barkley or some other fringe player be the key if this transfer was to occur in the latter stages of this 2022 mid-season transfer window?
Andreas Christensen to leave
It seems as though the Kounde update could coincide with this latest update on the Danish international.
Jules Kounde £51m 'seems close'
Chelsea 'seem close' to Jules Kounde transfer
Chelsea 'seem close' to Jules Kounde summer signing, Sport Witness reports.
Now that doesn’t mean that the interested clubs won’t start moving for a summer transfer. And that’s what Chelsea are already doing, according to today’s report from Tutto Mercato Web.
The website writes that the Blues are coming ‘with strength to try to close the operation’. With Marina Granovskaia leading the attempt, they’re said to be offering an initial payment of €55million (£46.1million) plus €5million (£4.2million) in bonuses.
Tutto Mercato Web claims the agreement between the clubs ‘seems close’, and the defender could indeed leave Sevilla to join the Blues next summer.
Good morning!
Welcome along to football.london's coverage of Chelsea on Tuesday.
We will bring you all the latest Chelsea news and Blues transfer updates throughout the day.
