Chelsea have been at the centre of numerous January transfer rumours with the latest involving Christopher Nkunku. The likes of Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei have all been linked to exits, but now players that have played prominent roles this season could be on the move.

Bayern Munich are said to have set their sights on Nkunku after the Blues made their interest in Mathys Tel known. Renato Veiga is another senior star that could leave with Borussia Dortmund interested. Neither have featured in the last two Premier League games with Veiga last appearance not in Europe coming back in early December.

The likelihood of both departing in the next two weeks has also now increased following a set of decisions by Enzo Maresca. Given those topics and the Premier League clash against Bournemouth, it went slightly under the radar that Chelsea had confirmed another returning loanee.

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With all of that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Chelsea transfer news and updates as the January rumours ramp up.

Big Nkunku transfer hint

As Maresca turned to his bench in search of a player that could provide the equaliser against Bournemouth, he opted to leave Nkunku where he was. Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Reece James all came on to offer an attacking spark however, with the latter finding the leveller from a free-kick that was awarded after Felix was fouled.

Leaving the France international on the bench was very possibly because of all the rumours surrounding his future, but it may also have been a telling indication that his future lies elsewhere.

football.london says: Both the form of Nicolas Jackson and the several attackers at Maresca's disposal has seen Nkunku struggle for consistent minutes.

In those rare opportunities, he has also struggled while the likes of Enzo Fernandez and most recently academy star Josh Acheampong have played more regularly in the Premier League because of their displays in other competitions.

Given the predicament he finds himself in, sealing an exit rather swiftly appears the best outcome for all parties. Serious interest from Bayern alongside the links to Tel could make it a rather simple deal to navigate, but there is no guarantee the latter wants to move.

Ultimately, his career at Stamford Bridge has been derailed by injury and it clearly seems Maresca fancies the other forwards in his squad.

Beach recalled from loan

Eddie Beach has returned to Cobham after a loan spell with League One side Crawley Town where he made just two appearances. "Chelsea goalkeeper Eddie Beach has been recalled from his loan spell at Crawley Town," a club statement confirmed.

"Beach joined the League One side in August and made two first-team appearances. The first came in the EFL Trophy and the second arrived in the FA Cup second round.

"The loan was the Wales Under-21 international’s third away from Chelsea, having previously spent time at Chelmsford City and Gateshead."

football.london says: With Beach having turned 21 just a few months ago, a successful loan spell is desperately needed for both parties.

It is unclear what the next steps will be but a move where he can play regular football is likely the priority outcome for both club and player. Following whatever is decided, a departure this summer appears inevitable with his contract expiring and the countless goalkeepers on the club's books.

Beach follows Gabriel Slonina in a returning loanee while Kepa Arrizabalaga is still at Bournemouth and Mike Penders at Genk before his move to Chelsea later this year is made official.