Considering how calculated Chelsea were regarding their transfer business in the summer, most fans are not expecting to see them splash out in the January window. But in a fascinating turn of events, it looks like the Blues are eager to beat the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Man City to the signature of one of the Premier League's most in-form players.
One of the areas where Chelsea have lacked a reliable starter for a while is on the left flank. Since Eden Hazard left, they have not been able to find his successor.
In the summer, they signed both Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho. The former has struggled with the transition to the Premier League. The latter has grown into the team over the course of the season, but is still not playing at a world-class level.
On the other hand, it looks like Chelsea are looking at another winger already. And it is someone who has emerged as a superstar in the Premier League this season.
Chelsea open talks to sign £65m superstar this January
As reported by The Standard, Chelsea have made their first move to sign Antoine Semenyo. The Club World Cup holders have made contact with the Bournemouth player’s representative to confirm their interest and open talks over a January transfer.
Liverpool are the club who have been linked with Semenyo the longest. Manchester United's interest in him appears to have grown over the course of the campaign as well. And now, it looks like Chelsea are pushing to sign the player as well.
It is not hard to see why there is so much interest in Semenyo. In 16 Premier League games this season, he has scored 8 times and provided 3 assists from the wing. This includes goals against the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion.
It is believed that there is a £65 million release clause in his contract. But it is active for the first ten days of next month’s transfer window. So, if Chelsea want to sign him, they will need to move quick.
Of course, it might be smart on their part to sign someone like Semenyo instead of a winger who is not proven in the Premier League, like Rodrygo. With so much interest, the Ghana international is likely to leave in January. Let's see if the Blues are able to get a deal done.