It's been a disappointing Christmas period for Chelsea as they were narrowly beaten 2-1 by London rivals Fulham on Boxing Day.

Despite taking the lead at Stamford Bridge through Cole Palmer, the visitors forced themselves back into the game with a headed effort from Harry Wilson after the break. Substitute Rodrigo Muniz then clinched a last-gasp winner for Fulham in stoppage time to dent Chelsea's title hopes.

Enzo Maresca's side are now seven points behind league leaders Liverpool, who still have a game in hand. The January transfer window will undoubtedly be decisive in the title race as clubs have one final opportunity to improve their squads ahead of the second half of the season.

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So, with January 1 now less than a week away, football.london have taken a look at the latest transfer news and rumours involving Chelsea...

Chelsea goalkeeper decision made

Chelsea are regularly linked with high-profile goalkeepers and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez and Everton’s Jordan Pickford are among the latest names tipped to make the move to Stamford Bridge. However, a more recent report from outlet TEAMtalk claims the Blues are not considering an upgrade in the goalkeeper department ahead of the January window.

Former Brighton shot-stopper Robert Sanchez, who joined the club in the summer of 2023, is Chelsea's current first choice. Filip Jorgensen is the back-up and has regularly featured in the UEFA Europa Conference League this season.

The article indicates Chelsea are content with their options and there is enough healthy competition between the pair. It is for that reason a goalkeeper is reportedly not on the agenda in January.

football.london says: It's no surprise to see this is the case. Rumours and links will always emerge, but it is clear there is no pressing need for Chelsea to upgrade their goalkeeper. While that could always change by the summer, it's fair to say Pickford and Martinez will be unlikely candidates, despite their age. Recent history suggests Chelsea want to keep the age profile of their squad low, so a 30 and 32-year-old don't exactly fit the bill, despite their undeniable talent.

Promising young star 'monitored'

Elsewhere, one position Chelsea could look to bolster is left back. Marc Cucurella has enjoyed a strong season this term, but reports suggest Lecce full-back Patrick Dorgu is among the names being monitored by the club.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano told GiveMeSport that the 20-year-old Denmark international is a target for Chelsea and Tottenham. He claims he was wanted by both clubs in the summer transfer window, and he continues to be monitored ahead of a potential future move.

Dorgu joined Serie A club Lecce in the summer of 2023 and has already amassed over 50 senior appearances in Italy. He has scored five goals and registered one assist in that time.

football.london says: Links with Dorgu have certainly intensified in recent months, with some even going as far as saying Chelsea lead the race for his signature. He signed a new deal with Lecce back in October, however, which suggests he has no immediate desire to move on. Dorgu offers incredible versatility, as he can play in numerous positions across the pitch, so Chelsea will undoubtedly keep tracking him if he is indeed a target for the future.