Chelsea handed new striker option as three bargains emerge after transfer deadline day
Chelsea were one of the quietest clubs in the winter transfer window as Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) continues to limit how much business clubs do.
The Blues did not welcome any signings but instead recalled Trevoh Chalobah, Aaron Anslemino, Ronnie Stutter, Eddie Beach, Ted Curd, Luke Campbell, Caleb Wiley and David Datro Fofana from their respective loan spells. Other loans were sanctioned, including with the likes of Joao Felix, Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka departing for regular game time.
However, there were links to Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Jamie Gittens, and Marc Guehi, but no move was pursued. With that said, Enzo Maresca can still welcome a new signing or two despite the window slamming shut on February 3.
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Here, football.london has taken a look at all the free agents available for a transfer.
Diego Costa
A name that we are all familiar with. Costa could be a short-term solution for the Blues' attack until the end of the season - having recently left Gremio after his contract expired.
Having spent three seasons at Stamford Bridge between 2014 and 2017, Costa can bring a wealth of experience to the Premier League, and despite being 36, he is a goalscoring threat. Fans would be excited for his return.
Matthieu Dreyer
Another position that Chelsea should definitely strengthen is in goal. Robert Sanchez has often been criticised by pundits for his performances this campaign. After the 3-1 defeat to Manchester City last month, Gary Neville said: "We have to talk about the goalkeeper. That wouldn't have been a goal if the goalkeeper isn't 25 yards off his line at the edge of the box. What is he doing? I mean, he's making a lot of errors, and I remember a few years ago that I was quite tough on [Loris] Karius at Liverpool when he was coming through and making errors."
At 35, and having played most of his career in France, Dreyer would help to take the burden off Sanchez.
Daniel Amartey
The Ghana international spent seven seasons at Leicester City and has plenty of experience in the English top-flight. The 30-year-old made a total of 106 appearances in the Premier League, and while he may not be the most attractive option, Amartey would do the job until the end of the season before Chelsea turn to the summer window.