Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues forward could depart, a Bundesliga sensation on Chelsea's radar, and more - 9 January 2021
Chelsea have hogged the headlines quite often since the last transfer window.
The forked out over £200 million on a slew of acquisitions in the summer but are now facing the challenge of improving their team by cutting out the deadwood.
Chelsea have enough depth in each department to realistically challenge for the title in the next few years, with an envious blend of youth and experience to call upon. However, Chelsea may have to release a few players in order to complete their wishlist and forge a stronger setup.
On that note, let us look at various Chelsea transfer stories as on January 9.
Also read: Chelsea manager Frank Lampard talks about player power amid club's poor run of results.
Chelsea's Lucas Piazon heading closer to Braga move
Chelsea forward Lucas Piazon is poised to complete a move to Portuguese club Braga, according to reports.
The striker's stay at Rio Ave was halted because Chelsea wanted to secure a permanent move for him ahead of his contract's conclusion. Piazon's deal expires in six months, and hence, Chelsea are hoping to receive funds for the 26-year-old.
It is said that Piazon has already agreed personal terms with Braga, which means that final negotiations could be easier.
Piazon has managed only one Premier League appearance for Chelsea, spending most of his time on loan at clubs such as Malaga, Vitesse, Reading, Frankfurt and Fulham among others.
Chelsea enter the race for Dayot Upamecano
If reports from the Daily Mail are to be believed, Chelsea have entered the race for RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano.
The centre-half has been heavily mooted to move to the Premier League, with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United having already expressed their interest in the player at some point.
Now, Chelsea are supposedly set to trigger his £40 million release clause because they view him as a long-term option at the heart of their defence. With Fikayo Tomori and Antonio Rudiger's futures up in the air, Chelsea may look to improve their defensive quality with the inclusion of Upamecano.
Chelsea eye Ralph Hasenhuttl as Lampard replacement
A story from the Express maintains that Roman Abramovich has shortlisted Ralph Hasenhuttl as one of the managers to replace Frank Lampard.
Southampton were at the top of the Premier League table at one point this season, just a year after they were brushed aside 9-0 by 2015-16 winners Leicester City. They recently outclassed Liverpool as well, demonstrating defensive discipline, proactive defending and of course, some world-class finishing from Danny Ings.
Hasenhuttl had a successful tenure in Germany as well, but he is not the only one on Chelsea's list. Max Allegri, Ralf Rangnick, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann are listed as potential successors of Lampard, who has only managed one win in Chelsea's last six games in the Premier League.
Also Read: Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Fresh update on Fikayo Tomori, Lampard talks about Kepa's future, and more - 8 January 2021.