Chelsea handed Jude Bellingham ‘boost’ as January transfer ‘priority’ decided

Chelsea now face a spell on the sidelines for just over a month as the World Cup takes hold.

It has been a disappointing and frustrating start to the season for the Blues, who are eighth in the Premier League table and already on their second manager of the season. They are now eight points off the top four, albeit with a game in hand still to play. When they return from the break, the Blues are going to have to improve significantly if they want to secure Champions League football for next season, and indeed to ease early pressure on Graham Potter.

In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding Stamford Bridge.

Bellingham boost

Chelsea continue to be linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham ahead of next summer, and they have been handed a significant boost. According to Sport, Real Madrid are not willing to match Dortmund’s reported asking price of £130million any time soon.

That could see Los Blancos drop out of the race, making a move to the Premier League significantly more likely for Bellingham. It’s reported Chelsea and Liverpool are the main contenders to sign the England star,

Chelsea are likely to have more money at their disposal, but Liverpool are looking for new owners, and a lot can change between now and the summer.

Rabiot links

Ahead of the January transfer window, Chelsea are being linked with a move for Juventus star Adrien Rabiot.

The Blues face a concerning situation in midfield, with both N’Golo Kante and Jorginho out of contract in the summer. Chelsea are said to be working on new deals, but they have to prepare for the worst scenario.

And according to Fichajes, Chelsea are interested in snapping up Juventus star Rabiot on the cheap in January, given he is also out of contract in the summer. Rabiot is still only 27 years of age, and he is a top-level midfielder.