Enzo Maresca could build one of Chelsea's strongest frontlines by the end of the January transfer window. The Blues could welcome a new face or two to Stamford Bridge this month, with a few big names heavily linked with moves away.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, the Italian was asked how difficult it's been to keep everybody in his squad happy. Maresca said: "If we can, yes, but it is impossible because the ones that are not playing are not going to be happy. Our target is to, first of all, to do the best for the club and the team.

"That means trying to win games. Also, if we can keep players happy then we are happy but that is not the reality: the players are happy just if they play and if they don't play, then they are not happy."

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Then, when asked if that's why Chelsea have to offload players this month, the Blues boss replied: "Yeah, but if you told me all the players that are not happy, we would be here with 12 players. Our intention is not to move players."

Maresca may not want to lose anyone, but it's been difficult for fringe players to force themselves into the side ahead of those who have been undroppable. So, with that being said, football.london has looked at how Chelsea could line up by the end of the January transfer window.

Nkunku makes room for Chelsea ace

Christopher Nkunku faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge, having struggled to displace either Cole Palmer or Nicolas Jackson from attacking midfield or striker, respectively. Even when called upon from off the bench, the 27-year-old forward hasn't impressed – which has led to Joao Felix climbing above him in the pecking order.

football.london understands that Bayern Munich are interested in signing Nkunku this month. It's believed that the France international, who has made just three starts for Chelsea in the Premier League this term, has grown frustrated with his role in the squad.

By offloading Nkunku, who agreed to join the West Londoners from RB Leipzig for £52m in November 2022, Felix has a greater – and more secure – role. Unlike the Frenchman, the Portuguese ace has caught the eye recently, making him an exciting option across the frontline in the new year.

Bayern wonderkid solves Maresca headache

Mathys Tel has suddenly emerged as a target for Chelsea as Maresca looks to bring in a versatile attacker. football.london understands that the Blues have been in contact with Bayern Munich over a potential deal for the 19-year-old forward.

Chelsea, who had long admired him, made an enquiry about Tel last summer. Six months later, the West Londoners have once again asked the German giants whether the teenager would be available to sign in the January transfer window.

football.london understands that Chelsea would make an offer should Bayern Munich give them any encouragement. With the Bundesliga outfit chasing Nkunku, the Blues could engineer a deal that benefits all parties.

Tel, who can also lead the line as a striker, would provide Maresca with an alternative option on the left wing. Jadon Sancho has enjoyed an excellent vein of form since joining Chelsea on loan in the summer, operating as an inverted winger.

Gliding inside, the 24-year-old trickster has often been unstoppable for the Blues. However, Tel, who's more so an inside forward, would offer something different. The Bayern Munich wonderkid has a different profile than Sancho, and he could also fill in for Jackson when opportunities inevitably arise. At just £40m, according to the MailOnline, Tel would be an absolute steal...

Chelsea circle back on missed opportunity

If Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley wanted to really take Chelsea to the next level, then they should throw the kitchen sink at a deal for Jhon Duran. The 21-year-old striker was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge last year, but a switch failed to materialise.

In June, football.london understood that the Blues 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. Chelsea cooled their interest and set their sights on Samu Omorodion instead – a move that later collapsed, leading to the arrival of 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.

If Chelsea were to splash the cash on Duran, then Marc Guiu would need to be sent out on loan. While the 19-year-old striker, who joined the Blues from Barcelona in the summer for just £5m, has been brilliant in the Conference League and domestic cup competitions, he needs game time.

Guiu needs minutes in the tank. A safe environment where he can make mistakes, learn from them, and fulfil his potential as a top forward. However, if Chelsea don't go for Duran, then Maresca must give the youngster more opportunities.

Dream Chelsea attack: Cole Palmer and Joao Felix (AM); Mathys Tel and Jadon Sancho (LW); Nicolas Jackson, Jhon Duran (ST); Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto (RW).