Even though Chelsea have been linked with a long list of players this month, in terms of additions, they have not made any significant ones. Talks over a move for Jeremy Jacquet does not seem to be moving in the right direction. That is because there have been no positive updates on it since it emerged that personal terms had been agreed. It has been suggested that a gap exists between Rennes' asking price and what the Blues are willing to pay for the centre-back.
On the other hand, it looks like midfield is another position where Chelsea could be looking to improve this winter. Surprising interest in Douglas Luiz has been confirmed by reliable sources.
Luiz has been out of form and is struggling with fitness issues at the moment. But he would bring experience and Premier League-proven quality, if signed. At the same time, the Blues are being linked with a very different kind of midfielder. One who fits the profile we have often seen them target under this new ownership.
As reported by Africafoot, Chelsea have made an offer of around €40 million to Trabzonspor to secure the signature of Christ Inao Oulaï. Galatasaray have also offered €20 million, but that has been deemed insufficient by his club, who are demanding at least €50 million to part ways with the Ivory Coast international.
Chelsea make €40 million offer for international midfielder
Oulaï is just 19 years of age. He already has played senior level football in a couple of countries though. Before turning out for Trabzonspor in Turkey, he featured for French club Bastia.
Of course, Oulaï is not the type of player you would expect to see come in and make an immediate impact at Chelsea. But the club will surely be viewing as someone who can develop into a first-team midfielder in the future. They would not be willing to spend this kind of money on someone who they'd want to move on for profit.
Let's see how things play out from here between Chelsea, Trabzonspor and Oulaï. This looks like a situation worth keeping an eye out on.