Enzo Maresca will be keen to bolster his Chelsea squad in the January transfer window after his side took a stumble during the festive period.

The Blues enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, climbing to second in the Premier League table – at one stage, many considered them to be title contenders. Unfortunately for Chelsea, though, they had a bit of a wobble over the festive period, falling 10 points behind Liverpool.

Despite winning just two points from their last four games, the west Londoners have still shown great promise – and they remain strong candidates for the top-four. But, they've lacked a cutting-edge recently, falling short at the final hurdle.

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Whether permanent or temporary, Maresca will be in the market for a signing who can reignite Chelsea's flame. So, with that being said, football.london has looked at what business the Blues should wrap in the January transfer window.

Duran brought in to rival Jackson

Jhon Duran was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge earlier this year, but a switch failed to materialise. In June, football.london understood that Chelsea were in talks with Aston Villa over a potential deal for the 21-year-old striker, but his wage demands proved to be an issue.

The Blues cooled their interest and set their sights on Samu Omorodion instead – a move which later collapsed, leading to the arrival of Joao Felix. football.london understood that Unai Emery's side were once open to selling the Colombian if an offer between £40m and £45m was submitted.

Now, Aston Villa could demand nearly double that without raising any eyebrows! Nicolas Jackson enjoyed an excellent start to the season, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in his first 13 Premier League games.

However, the 23-year-old has netted just once in his last six, missing some gilt-edged chances. Nobody expects him to score every shot he takes, of course. But, with Duran breathing down his neck, some serious competition could fuse a healthy rivalry.

Guehi partners Colwill at the back

According to Enzo Maresca, Josh Acheampong was Chelsea's best player when he made his first Premier League start earlier this month. But, with the teenage sensation capable of playing at right-back, Wesley Fofana out injured and Axel Disasi yet to prove that he deserves a place in the starting line-up, the Blues need to bring in a top right-sided centre-back.

football.london understands that Marc Guehi remains on the club's radar, but any deal to sign the Cobham graduate is unlikely to happen this month. It's believed that Crystal Palace will not entertain offers for the 24-year-old defender this month.

Newcastle United tried to test the Eagles' resolve in the summer, having a £65m bid turned down. football.london understands that Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande have also been looked at, though any deal for either centre-half would cost a pretty penny.

Chelsea wonderkid makes return

While many would like a new face or two at Stamford Bridge this month, it's time to recall Andrey Santos from his loan at Strasbourg. The 20-year-old, who Chelsea signed from from Vasco da Gama in January 2023, has featured 15 times in Ligue 1 this season, scoring six goals and providing one assist.

Playing a key role in Liam Rosenior's side, Santos has fired Strasbourg to 10th in the table. The Brazil international has quickly developed into one of the most exciting young players in France – and arguably one of the division's leading midfielders.

With Santos in the first-team setup, Maresca could finally give Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez a well earned rest. His return could be season-defining, with Romeo Lavia often struggling to stay fit and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall surplus to requirements.

The youngster would probably be better off staying in France until the end of the season, but injury to Caicedo or Fernandez could be devastating. Bring Santos back. He's more than ready!

Nkunku leads January fire sale

Christopher Nkunku could lead a mini fire sale at Stamford Bridge this month. The 26-year-old forward has been heavily linked with an exit from Chelsea recently, having struggled to force himself into Maresca's side.

The Blues should also look to offload one of either Axel Disasi or Benoit Badiashile, with Acheampong proving to be worth his weight in gold and Renato Veiga catching the eye whenever – and wherever – he's called upon.

Chelsea also need to find moves for one of Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei, as well as possibly Dewsbury-Hall. It's also about time that Deivid Washington is given a loan. Partly due to various competition registration rules, the 19-year-old striker has struggled to force himself into the first-team setup.

And, finally, it goes without saying that Ben Chilwell faces an uncertain future in west London. Rather than delaying the inevitable, Chelsea just need to find the 28-year-old defender a new club. Not a loan. A cash sale.