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Chelsea reportedly looking at Thomas Lemar and Ross Barkley in January

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

MONACO - SEPTEMBER 27: Thomas Lemar (R) of AS Monaco FC is challenged by Lars Bender of Bayer 04 Leverkusen during the UEFA Champions League Group E match between AS Monaco FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Louis II Stadium on September 27, 2016 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
MONACO - SEPTEMBER 27: Thomas Lemar (R) of AS Monaco FC is challenged by Lars Bender of Bayer 04 Leverkusen during the UEFA Champions League Group E match between AS Monaco FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Louis II Stadium on September 27, 2016 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea are reportedly lining up offers for both Thomas Lemar and Ross Barkley as they look to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window.

As Chelsea head into the second half of their season, they may strengthen their squad. After failing to bring in enough appropriate talent over the summer, the Blues are reportedly interested in signing both Thomas Lemar and Ross Barkley. It is hard enough to get one big deal done in January so doing two would be impressive.

According to the Evening Standard, Lemar and Barkley are on Chelsea’s radar as the board look to compensate for poor summer recruitment.

"Chelsea are also keen on Monaco star Thomas Lemar and will make another attempt to buy Everton midfielder Ross Barkley after a £35m deal fell through on deadline day last August."

Lemar was the subject of transfer deadline day drama in the summer. Arsenal appeared to be on the verge of agreeing a deal before it quickly fell through. Nonetheless, the Frenchman will be a target for many top clubs at the end of the season. Being ready to do a deal in January may give Chelsea the upper hand.

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Barkley, meanwhile, has been of interest to the Blues for over a year. Jose Mourinho very publicly pursued him to no avail. A deal then seemed all but confirmed in the summer before it collapsed – Barkley’s injury was blamed.

Most have expected Chelsea to pick up their Barkley chase in January, but with new management at Goodison Park a deal may be difficult. Sam Allardyce has transformed the side since taking over and is the type of man to play hard-ball. If he wants Barkley to contribute to Everton’s efforts this season, he simply will not sell him.

Chelsea must be careful not to descend into panic and over-spend. January is the worst time of year to enter the transfer market. Clubs add an extra premium onto prices to reflect the inconvenience of losing talent halfway through a season. With the Blues out of the Premier League title race, there is little immediate pressure to strengthen.

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The club should sound out their counterparts to see if a reasonable price can be agreed. If so, great. If not, so be it. Once the summer comes, they can properly return to the drawing board and buy the right talent at the right price.

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